nd fear: now, hope remov'd,
Stunn'd, and o'erwhelm'd, it sinks beneath its cares.

BYR. Nay, prithee master, since the thing you wish
Can not be had, e'en wish for that which may!

CHAR. I wish for nothing but Philumena.

BYR. Ah, how much wiser were it, that you strove
To quench this passion, than, with words like these
To fan the fire, and blow it to a flame?

CHAR. How readily do men at ease prescribe
To those who're sick at heart! distress'd like me,
You would not talk thus.

BYR. Well, well, as you please.

CHAR. Ha! I see Pamphilus. I can resolve
On any thing, e'er give up all for lost.

BYR. What now?

CHAR. I will entreat him, beg, beseech him,
Tell him our course of love, and thus, perhaps,
At least prevail upon him to defer
His marriage some few days: meanwhile, I hope,
Something may happen.

BYR. Aye, that something's nothing.

CHAR. Byrrhia, what think you? Shall I speak to him?

BYR. Why not? for though you don't obtain your suit,
He will at least imagine you're prepar'd
To cuckold him, in case he marries her.

CHAR. Away, you hang-dog, with your base suspicions!

SCENE II.

_Enter PAMPHILUS._

PAM. Charinus, save you!

CHAR. Save you, Pamphilus!
Imploring comfort, safety, help, and counsel,
You see me now before you.

PAM. I do lack
Myself both help and counsel--But what mean you?

CHAR. Is this your wedding-day?

PAM. Aye, so they say.

CHAR. Ah, Pamphilus, if so, this day
You see the last of me.

PAM. How so?

CHAR. Ah me!
I dare not speak it: prithee tell him, Byrrhia.

BYR. Aye, that I will.

PAM. What is't?

BYR. He is in love
With your bride, Sir.

PAM. I' faith so am not I.
Tell me, Charinus, has aught further passed
'Twixt you and her?

CHAR. Ah, no, no.

PAM. Would there had!

CHAR. Now by our friendship, by my love I beg
You would not marry her.----

PAM. I will endeavor.

CHAR. If that's impossible, or if this match
Be grateful to your heart----

PAM. My heart!

CHAR. At least
Defer it some few days; while I depart,
That I may not behold it.

PAM. Hear, Charinus;
It is, I think, scarce honesty in him
To look for thanks, who means no favor. I
Abhor this marriage, more than you desire it.

CHAR. You have reviv'd me.

PAM. Now if you, or he,
Your Byrrhia here, can do or think of aught;
Act, plot, devise, invent, strive all you can
To make her yours; and I'll do all I can
That she may not be mine.

CHAR. Enough.

PAM. I see