see her beauty and her {youth}; and
it is not unknown to you to what extent both of these are now of use
to her, in protecting both her chastity and her interests. By this
right hand I do entreat you, and by your {good} Genius,[47] by your
own fidelity, and by her bereft condition, do not withdraw yourself
from her, or forsake her; if I have loved you as my own brother, or if
she has always prized you above all others, or has been obedient to
you in all things. You do I give to her as a husband, friend,
protector, father. This property of mine do I intrust to you, and
commit to your care." She placed her in my hands; that instant, death
came upon her. I accepted her; having accepted, I will protect her.

MYS. So indeed I hope. (_Moving._)

PAM. But why are you leaving her?

MYS. I'm going to fetch the midwife.[48]

PAM. Make all haste. And-- do you hear?-- take care, {and} not one
word about the marriage, lest that too {should add} to her illness.

MYS. I understand. (_Exeunt severally._

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

_Enter CHARINUS and BYRRHIA.[49]_

CHAR. How say you, Byrrhia? Is she to be given in marriage to
Pamphilus to-day?

BYR. It is so.

CHAR. How do you know?

BYR. I heard {it} just now from Davus at the Forum.

CHAR. Woe unto wretched me! As, hitherto, until now, my mind has been
racked amid hope and fear; so, since hope has been withdrawn, wearied
with care, it sinks overwhelmed.

BYR. By my troth, Charinus, since that which you wish can not come to
pass, prithee, do wish that which can.

CHAR. I wish for nothing else but Philumena.

BYR. Alas! How much better were it for you to endeavor to expel that
passion from your mind, than to be saying that by which your desire is
to no purpose still more inflamed.

CHAR. We all, when we are well, with ease give good advice to the
sick. If you were in my situation, you would think otherwise.

BYR. Well, well, just as you like.

CHAR. (_looking down the side scene._) But I see Pamphilus; I'm
determined I'll try every thing before I despair.

BYR. (_aside_) What does he mean?

CHAR. I will entreat his own self; I will supplicate him; I will
disclose to him my love. I think that I shall prevail upon him to put
off the marriage for some days at least; in the mean time, something
will turn up, I trust.

BYR. That something is nothing.

CHAR. Byrrhia, how seems it to you? Shall I accost him?

BYR. Why not? Should you not prevail, th