_Pam._ Sure. _Chr._ And I hope they may. ’Twill make our numbers up: We’ll have a merry feast. _Pam._ Ay, sir.... [_Exit Chremes within._ And so we shall, Clinia. _Clin._ What have you done? _Pam._ Why pretty well, I think. _Clin._ I did not look for this, nor wish it, and do not like it. _Pam._ Not like it! Is it not perfect? If all the gods in heaven Had put their heads together to assist in your affairs, They could not have done it better than I. My father bids 340 You and Antiphila both to spend the day; and he, Charmed with her grace and beauty, will use his influence To bring your father round. _Clin._ I would not risk so much On the fancy of any man: and though I have a hope Antiphila’s charms will plead not vainly, that must be When she’s my wife, not now: and they must urge themselves; Another cannot paint them. _Pam._ I do beseech you, Clinia, Don’t leave a friend in the lurch. Hark you; to tell the truth, My scheme suits me to a T as well as you. My father Expects Antiphila to bring a companion with her: Now I have a lady friend, with whom I am circumstanced 351 Much as you are with yours. My father, just as yours, Would never hear of my asking her home; but if she comes To-day as Antiphila’s friend, he’ll not guess who she is; So you may have your love to yourself, & I have mine. And see, here comes Philolaches, our other guest: I’ll tell him what is arranged: he’ll be a strong ally. _Clin._ Indeed, I can’t consent: and who is Philolaches, That you sh^d wish to tell him all my private affairs? _Pam._ Ah, he can smell a rat; but don’t be afraid of him; 360 He’s my sworn friend: & sure no less to keep a secret, Than he is to find out anything in the mortal world That you seek to withhold. _Clin._ I pray, say nothing to him of me. _Pam._ Trust us; we won’t betray you. (_Runs back to meet Phil._) _Clin._ Pamphilus! why he’s gone. Now save me from my friends! Indeed this Pamphilus Will be my ruin: I wish to heaven I had never met him. He’ll tell his father next, this old Ionian huckster, Sponge-mongering Chremes; the gods defend me from him, And his family feast, and his prosy wisdom! I thought to spend This day of my return with sweet Antiphila: 370 And here I am, caught by the ears. And yet my troublesome friend Means well: I would not hurt his feelings; but at any cost I must get clear, and in one matter I cannot yield: I will not have Antiphila brought to the judgment-seat Of this suburban oracle. What has he to do With me & mine, my father or her—to push his nose Into our affairs? _Re-enter Pamphilus with Philolaches._