n my finger,
Immediately acknowledg'd, and inquir'd
How I came by it. I told all this story:
Whence 'twas discover'd that Philumena
Was she who had been ravish'd, and the child
Conceiv'd from that encounter.--That I've been
The instrument of all these joys I'm glad,
Though other courtesans would not be so;
Nor is it for our profit and advantage
That lovers should be happy in their marriage.
But never will I, for my calling's sake,
Suffer ingratitude to taint my mind.
I found him, while occasion gave him leave,
Kind, pleasant, and good-humor'd: and this marriage
Happen'd unluckily, I must confess.
Yet I did nothing to estrange his love;
And since I have receiv'd much kindness from him,
'Tis fit I should endure this one affliction.

[Changes:

_Harper_
I've sav'd; a wife he meant to put away
_Colman 1768_
I sav'd; a wife he meant to put away]

SCENE IV.

_Enter at a distance PAMPHILUS and PARMENO._

PAM. Be sure you prove this to me, Parmeno;
Prithee, be sure on't. Do not bubble me
With false and short-liv'd joy.

PAR. 'Tis even so.

PAM. For certain?

PAR. Aye, for certain.

PAM. I'm in heaven,
If this be so.

PAR. You'll find it very true.

PAM. Hold, I beseech you.--I'm afraid I think
One thing, while you relate another.

PAR. Well?

PAM. You said, I think, "that Myrrhina discover'd
The ring on Bacchis' finger was her own."

PAR. She did.

PAM. "The same I gave her formerly.
--And Bacchis bade you run and tell me this."
Is it not so?

PAR. I tell you, Sir, it is.

PAM. Who is more fortunate, more bless'd than I?
--What shall I give you for this news? what? what?
I don't know.

PAR. But I know.

PAM. What?

PAR. Just nothing.
For I see nothing of advantage to you,
Or in the message, or myself.

PAM. Shall I
Permit you to go unrewarded; you,
Who have restor'd me ev'n from death to life?
Ah, Parmeno, d'ye think me so ungrateful?
--But yonder's Bacchis standing at the door.
She waits for me, I fancy. I'll go to her.

BACCH. (_seeing him_). Pamphilus, save you.

PAM. Bacchis! my dear Bacchis!
My guardian! my protectress!

BACCH. All is well:
And I'm o'erjoy'd at it.

PAM. Your actions speak it.
You're still the charming girl I ever found you.
Your presence, company, and conversation,
Come where you will, bring joy and pleasure with them.

BACCH. And you, in faith, are still the same as ever,
The sweetest, most engaging man on earth.

PAM. Ha! ha! h