n, to my wife I am bound by obligations; with
so much temper did she formerly bear my usage, and on no occasion
disclose the many wrongs {inflicted on her} by me. But, Parmeno,
something of consequence, I know not what it is, must have happened
for {this} misunderstanding to have arisen between them, that has
lasted so long.

PAR. Or else something frivolous, i'faith, if you would only give
words their proper value; those which are sometimes the greatest
enmities, do not argue the greatest injuries; for it often happens
that in certain circumstances, in which another would not even be out
of temper, for the very same reason a passionate man becomes your
greatest enemy. What enmities do children entertain among themselves
for trifling injuries! For what reason? Why, because they have a weak
understanding to direct them. Just so are these women, almost like
children with their fickle feelings; perhaps a single word has
occasioned this enmity between them, master.

PAM. Go, Parmeno, into the house, and carry word[35] that I have
arrived.

(_A noise is heard in the house of PHIDIPPUS._)

PAR. (_starting._) Ha! What means this?

PAM. Be silent. I perceive a bustling about, and a running to and fro.

PAR. (_going to the door._) Come then, I'll approach nearer to the
door. (_He listens._) Ha! did you hear?

PAM. Don't be prating. (_He listens._) O Jupiter, I heard a shriek!

PAR. You yourself are talking, while you forbid me.

MYR. (_within the house._) Prithee, my child, do be silent.

PAM. {That} seems to be the voice of Philumena's mother. I'm undone!

PAR. Why so?

PAM. Utterly ruined!

PAR. For what reason?

PAM. Parmeno, you are concealing from me some great misfortune to me
unknown.

PAR. They said that your wife, Philumena, was in alarm about[36]
something, I know not what; whether that may be it, perchance, I don't
know.

PAM. I am undone! Why didn't you tell me of this?

PAR. Because I couldn't {tell} every thing at once.

PAM. What is the malady?

PAR. I don't know.

PAM. What! has no one brought a physician {to see her}?

PAR. I don't know.

PAM. Why delay going in-doors, that I may know as soon as possible for
certain what it is? In what condition, Philumena, am I now to find
you? But if you are in any peril, beyond a doubt I will perish with
you. (_Goes into the house of PHIDIPPUS._)

SCENE II.

_PARMENO alone._

PAR. (_to himself._) There is no need for me to follow him int