m to confusion; all the while
Secure yourself: for 'tis beyond a doubt
That Chremes will refuse his daughter to you;
So obstinately too, you need not pause,
Or change these measures, lest he change his mind;
Say to your father then, that you will wed,
That, with the will, he may want cause to chide.
But if, deluded by fond hopes, you cry,
"No one will wed their daughter to a rake,
A libertine."--Alas, you're much deceiv'd.
For know, your father will redeem some wretch
From rags and beggary to be your wife,
Rather than see your ruin with Glycerium.
But if he thinks you bear an easy mind,
He too will grow indiff'rent, and seek out
Another match at leisure; the mean while
Affairs may take a lucky turn.

PAM. D'ye think so?

DAVUS. Beyond all doubt.

PAM. See, what you lead me to.

DAVUS. Nay, peace!

PAM. I'll say so then. But have a care
He knows not of the child, which I've agreed
To educate.

DAVUS. O confidence!

PAM. She drew
This promise from me, as a firm assurance
That I would not forsake her.

DAVUS. We'll take care.
But here's your father: let him not perceive
You're melancholy.

[Changes:

_The initial character names "PAMPHILUS. DAVUS." are supplied
from the 1768 edition._]

SCENE V.

_Enter SIMO at a distance._

SIMO. I return to see
What they're about, or what they meditate.

DAVUS. Now is he sure that you'll refuse to wed.
From some dark corner brooding o'er black thoughts
He comes, and fancies he has fram'd a speech
To disconcert you. See, you keep your ground.

PAM. If I can, Davus.

DAVUS. Trust me, Pamphilus,
Your father will not change a single word
In anger with you, do but say you'll wed.

SCENE VI.

_Enter BYRRHIA behind._

BYR. To-day my master bade me leave all else
For Pamphilus, and watch how he proceeds,
About his marriage; wherefore I have now
Followed the old man hither: yonder too
Stands Pamphilus himself, and with him Davus.
To business then!

SIMO. I see them both together.

DAVUS. Now mind. (_Apart to PAM._)

SIMO. Here, Pamphilus!

DAVUS. Now turn about,
As taken unawares. (_Apart._)

PAM. Who calls? my father!

DAVUS. Well said! (_Apart._)

SIMO. It is my pleasure, that to-day,
As I have told you once before, you marry.

DAVUS. Now on our part, I fear what he'll reply. (_Aside._)

PAM. In that, and all the rest of your commands,
I shall be ready to obey you, Sir!

BYR. How's that! (_Overhearing._)

DAVUS. Struck dum