o other terms it is possible for good feeling to
exist between them, either my mother must be separated, Phidippus,
from me, or else Philumena. Now affection urges me rather to consult
my mother's pleasure.

LACH. Pamphilus, your words have reached my ears not otherwise than to
my satisfaction, since I find that you postpone all considerations for
your parent. But take care, Pamphilus, lest impelled by resentment,
you carry matters too far.

PAM. How, impelled by resentment, could I now be biased against her
who never has been guilty of any thing toward me, father, that I could
not wish, and who has often deserved as well as I could desire? I both
love and praise and exceedingly regret her, for I have found by
experience that she was of a wondrously engaging disposition with
regard to myself; and I sincerely wish that she may spend the
remainder of her life with a husband who may prove more fortunate than
me, since necessity {thus} tears her from me.

PHID. 'Tis in your own power to prevent that.

LACH. If you are in your senses, order her to come back.

PAM. It is not my intention, father; I shall study my mother's
interests. (_Going away._)

LACH. Whither are you going? Stay, stay, I tell you; whither are you
going? (_Exit PAMPHILUS._

SCENE IX.

_LACHES and PHIDIPPUS._

PHID. What obstinacy is this?

LACH. Did I not tell you, Phidippus, that he would take this matter
amiss? It was for that reason I entreated you to send your daughter
back.

PHID. Upon my faith, I did not believe he would be so brutish; does he
now fancy that I shall come begging to him? If {so} it is that he
chooses to take back his wife, why, let him; if he is of another mind,
let him pay back her portion,[49] {and} take himself off.

LACH. Just look at that, now; you too are getting obstinate and
huffish.

PHID. (_speaking with anger._) You have returned to us in a very
ungovernable mood, Pamphilus.

LACH. This anger will depart; although he has some reason for being
vexed.

PHID. Because you have had a windfall, a little money, your minds are
elevated.

LACH. Are you going to fall out with me, too?

PHID. Let him consider, and bring me word to-day, whether he will or
will not, that she may belong to another if she does not to him.
(_Goes hastily into his own house._)

LACH. Phidippus, stay; listen to a few words--

SCENE X.

_LACHES, alone._

LACH. He's off; what matters it to me? In fine, let them manage it