for my folly,
But will at least take vengeance on him.

DAVUS. If I can but escape this mischief now,
I'll answer for hereafter.

PAM. To my father
What shall I say?--And can I then refuse,
Who have but now consented? with what face?
I know not what to do.

DAVUS. I'faith, nor I;
And yet it takes up all my thoughts. I'll tell him
I've hit on something to delay the match.

PAM. Oh! (_Seeing DAVUS._)

DAVUS. I am seen.

PAM. So, good Sir! What say you?
See, how I'm hamper'd with your fine advice.

DAVUS (_coming forward_). But I'll deliver you.

PAM. Deliver me?

DAVUS. Certainly, Sir.

PAM. What, as you did just now?

DAVUS. Better, I hope.

PAM. And can you then believe
That I would trust you, rascal? You amend
My broken fortunes, or redeem them lost?
You, who to-day, from the most happy state,
Have thrown me upon marriage.--Did not I
Foretell it would be thus?

DAVUS. You did indeed.

PAM. And what do you deserve for this?

DAVUS. The gallows.
--Yet suffer me to take a little breath,
I'll devise something presently.

PAM. Alas,
I have not leisure for your punishment.
The time demands attention to myself,
Nor will be wasted in revenge on you.

[Changes:

_Harper_
But will at least take vengeance on him.
DAVUS. If I can but escape this mischief now
_Colman 1768_
But will at least take vengeance upon him.
DAVUS. Let me but once escape the present danger]

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

_CHARINUS alone._

Is this to be believ'd, or to be told?
Can then such inbred malice live in man,
To joy in ill, and from another's woes
To draw his own delight?--Ah, is't then so?
--Yes, such there are, the meanest of mankind,
Who, from a sneaking bashfulness, at first
Dare not refuse; but when the time comes on
To make their promise good, then force perforce
Open themselves and fear: yet must deny.
Then too, oh shameless impudence, they cry,
"Who then are you? and what are you to me?
Why should I render up my love to you?
Faith, neighbor, charity begins at home."
--Speak of their broken faith, they blush not, they,
Now throwing off that shame they ought to wear,
Which they before assum'd without a cause.
--What shall I do? go to him? on my wrongs
Expostulate, and throw reproaches on him?
What will that profit, say you?----very much.
I shall at least imbitter his delight,
And gratify my anger.

[Changes:

To make their promise good, then force perforce