Scene III.
Henry T. (Henry Thomas) Riley translation
Enter Sostrata.
Sos. (to herself.) In dreadful alarm, I have for some time heard, I know not what confusion going on here; I’m sadly afraid Philumena’s illness is getting worse. Æsculapius, I do entreat thee, and thee, Health,38 that it may not be so. Now I’ll go visit her. (Approaches the door.)
Par. (coming forward.) Hark you, Sostrata.
Sos. (turning round.) Well.
Par. You will again be shut out there.
Sos. What, Parmeno, is it you? I’m undone! wretch that I am, what shall I do? Am I not to go see the wife of Pamphilus, when she is ill here next door?
Par. Not go see her! Don’t even send any person for the purpose of seeing her; for I’m of opinion that he who loves a person to whom he is an object of dislike, commits a double mistake: he himself takes a useless trouble, and causes annoyance to the other. Besides, your son went in to see how she is, as soon as he arrived.
Sos. What is it you say? Has Pamphilus arrived?
Par. He has.
Sos. I give thanks unto the Gods! Well, through that news my spirits are revived, and anxiety has departed from my heart.
Par. For this reason, then, I am especially unwilling you should go in there; for if Philumena’s malady at all abates, she will, I am sure, when they are by themselves, at once tell him all the circumstances; both what misunderstandings have arisen between you, and how the difference first began. But see, he’s coming out—how sad he looks!