ry way
I am a wretch, nor know I what to do:
My father has me in the toils, and I,
By struggling to get loose, am more entangled.
I'll hence, since present I shall profit little.
For I believe they'll hardly educate
The child against my will; especially
Seeing my step-mother will second me. (_Exit._

[Changes:

_Harper_
How much I think she was to blame.
_Colman 1768_
How very much I think she was to blame.]

SCENE VII.

_Manent PHIDIPPUS, LACHES._

LACH. Going? how's that? and give me no plain answer!
--D'ye think he's in his senses?--Well--send home
The child to me, Phidippus. I'll take care on't.

PHID. I will.--I can not wonder that my wife
Took this so ill. Women are passionate,
And can't away with such affronts as these.
This was their quarrel: nay she told me so,
Though before him I did not care to speak on't:
Nor did I credit it at first; but now
'Tis evident, and I can plainly see
He has no stomach to a wife.

LACH. Phidippus,
How shall I act? What's your advice?

PHID. How act?
I think 'twere best to seek this wench, his mistress.
Let us expostulate the matter with her,
Speak to her roundly, nay, e'en threaten her,
If she has aught to do with him hereafter.

LACH. I'll follow your advice.--Ho, boy! (_Enter a boy_) run over
To Bacchis. Tell her to come forth to me. (_Exit boy._
--I must beseech you also to continue
Your kind assistance to me in this business.

PHID. Ah, Laches! I have told you all along.
And I repeat it now, that 'tis my wish
To render our alliance firm and lasting,
If possible, as I have hopes it will be.
--But would you have me present at your conference
With Bacchis?

LACH. No; go, seek the child a nurse. (_Exit PHIDIPPUS._

SCENE VIII.

_Enter BACCHIS attended by her Women._

BACCH. (_to herself_). 'Tis not for nothing Laches wants to see me;
And, or I'm much deceiv'd, I guess the cause.

LACH. (_to himself_). I must take care my anger don't transport me
Beyond the bounds of prudence, which may hinder
My gaining my design on her, and urge me
To do what I may afterward repent.
I'll to her.-- (_Going up._) Save you, Bacchis!

BACCH. Save you, Laches!

LACH. Bacchis, I do not doubt but you're surpris'd
That I should send the boy to call you forth.

BACCH. Aye, and I'm fearful too, when I reflect
Both who and what I am: lest my vocation
Should prejudice me in your good opinion.
My conduct I can fully justify.

LACH. If you speak tr