a few days' absence, Sostrata
Sent for her back. They made some lame excuse,
I know not what. She sends again. No lady.
Then after several messages, at last
They say the gentlewoman's sick. My mistress
Goes on a visit to her: not let in.
Th' old gentleman, inform'd of all this, came
On this occasion yesterday to town;
And waited on the father of the bride.
What pass'd between them, I as yet can't tell;
And yet I long to know the end of this.
--There's the whole business. Now I'll on my way.

PHI. And I: for there's a stranger here, with whom
I have an assignation.

PAR. Speed the plow!

PHI. Parmeno, fare you well!

PAR. Farewell, Philotis! (_Exeunt severally._

[Changes:

_Harper_
PAR. (_to SCRITUS within_).
...
D'ye understand my meaning, Scritus?
_Colman 1768_
PAR. (_to SCIRTUS within_).
...
D'ye understand my meaning, Scirtus?

_Harper_
PAR. All these
Fair words, Philotis, sha'n't prevail on me
_Colman 1768_
PAR. No, no:
Fair words, Philotis, sha'n't prevail on me

_Harper_
As arrogant: but she, I hope, as soon
_Colman 1768_
Is arrogant: but she, I hope, as soon

The women seem'd to live on friendly terms:
_Harper edition reads "The woman"_

_Harper_
Shunning her company. At length, not able
_Colman 1768_
Shunning her company. At length, unable]

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

_LACHES, SOSTRATA._

LACH. Oh heav'n and earth, what animals are women!
What a conspiracy between them all,
To do or not do, love or hate alike!
Not one but has the sex so strong in her,
She differs nothing from the rest. Step-mothers
All hate their Step-daughters: and every wife
Studies alike to contradict her husband,
The same perverseness running through them all.
Each seems train'd up in the same school of mischief:
And of that school, if any such there be,
My wife, I think, is schoolmistress.

SOSTRA. Ah me!
Who know not why I am accus'd.

LACH. Not know?

SOSTRA. No, as I hope for mercy! as I hope
We may live long together!

LACH. Heav'n forbid!

SOSTRA. Hereafter, Laches, you'll be sensible
How wrongfully you have accus'd me.

LACH. I?
Accuse you wrongfully?----Is't possible
To speak too hardly of your late behavior?
Disgracing me, yourself, and family;
Laying up sorrow for your absent son;
Converting into foes his new-made friends,
Who thought him worthy of their child in marriage.
You've been our