ld man and old woman."--But I see
Phidippus coming in good time. Let's meet him!

[Changes:

_Harper_
PAM. 'Tis what I wish for, and can scarce forbear it.
_Colman 1768_
PAM. 'Tis what I wish for, and can scarce forbear.

_Harper_
That there's no other way to make them friends
_Colman 1768_
No other means remain to make them friends]

SCENE VI.

_Enter PHIDIPPUS._

PHID. (_to PHILUMENA within_). I'm angry with you--'fore Heaven, very
angry,
Philumena!--You've acted shamefully.
Though you indeed have some excuse for't, seeing
Your mother urg'd you to't; but she has none.

LACH. You're come upon us in good time, Phidippus;
Just in the time we wanted you.

PHID. What now?

PAM. What answer shall I give them! how explain? (_Aside._)

LACH. Inform your daughter, Sostrata will hence
Into the country; so Philumena
Need not dread coming home again.

PHID. Ah, friend!
Your wife has never been in fault at all:
All this has sprung from my wife Myrrhina.
The case is alter'd. She confounds us, Laches.

PAM. So that I may not take her home again,
Confound affairs who will! (_Aside._)

PHID. I, Pamphilus,
Would fain, if possible, make this alliance
Perpetual between our families.
But if you can not like it, take the child.

PAM. He knows of her delivery. Confusion! (_Aside._)

LACH. The child! what child?

PHID. We've got a grandson, Laches.
For when my daughter left your house, she was
With child, it seems, although I never knew it
Before this very day.

LACH. 'Fore Heav'n, good news!
And I rejoice to hear a child is born,
And that your daughter had a safe delivery.
But what a woman is your wife, Phidippus?
Of what a disposition? to conceal
Such an event as this? I can't express
How much I think she was to blame.

PHID. This pleases me no more than you, good Laches.

PAM. Although my mind was in suspense before,
My doubts all vanish now. I'll ne'er recall her,
Since she brings home with her another's child. (_Aside._)

LACH. There is no room for choice now, Pamphilus.

PAM. Confusion! (_Aside._)

LACH. We've oft wish'd to see the day
When you should have a child to call you father.
That day's now come. The Gods be thank'd!

PAM. Undone! (_Aside._)

LACH. Recall your wife, and don't oppose my will.

PAM. If she had wish'd for children by me, father,
Or to remain my wife, I'm very sure
She never would have hid this matter from me:
But now I see her hear