_Char._ How so? why Chremes certainly will not give his daughter to Pamphilus. _Davus._ Nonsense; as if it followed of course that he must give her to you, because he does not give her to him: if you do not take care; if you do not use all your endeavours, to gain the support of the old man’s friends, you will be no nearer your wishes than ever[121]. _Char._ You advise me well; I will go about it, though in truth this hope has often deceived me before. Farewell. [_Exit._ SCENE IV. PAMPHILUS, DAVUS. _Pam._ What then can my father mean? why does he thus dissemble? _Davus._ I will tell you, Sir. He knows very well that it would be unreasonable in him to be angry with you, because Chremes has refused to give you his daughter, nor can he take any thing amiss, before he knows how your mind stands affected towards the marriage; but if you should refuse to marry, all the blame will be thrown on you, and a grievous disturbance created. _Pam._ What then, shall I bear it patiently, and consent to marry? _Davus._ He is your father, Pamphilus, and it would not be easy to oppose him: Glycera moreover is [122]destitute and friendless, and he would speedily find some pretext or other to banish her from the city[123]. _Pam._ Banish her. _Davus._ Ay, directly. _Pam._ Oh Davus, what shall I do? _Davus._ Tell him that you are ready to marry. _Pam._ Ah! _Davus._ What’s the matter? _Pam._ Can I tell him so? _Davus._ Why not? _Pam._ Never. _Davus._ Be advised, Sir, tell him so. _Pam._ Do not attempt to persuade me to it. _Davus._ Consider the result. _Pam._ Torn for ever from my Glycera, I should be wedded to another. _Davus._ You are mistaken, Sir, listen to me: your father, I expect, will speak to you to this effect. Pamphilus, ’tis my will that you should be married to-day. I am ready, Sir; you shall answer: how can he then complain of you? All his plans on which he places so much reliance will be rendered abortive, and entirely frustrated by this reply; which you may very safely make; as it is beyond a doubt that Chremes will persist in refusing you his daughter; therefore do not let the fear of his changing his [124]mind, prevent you from following my advice. Tell your father that you are willing to marry; that when he seeks a cause of complaint against you, he may not be able to find any. As to the hopes you indulge, that no man will give his daughter to you, on account of this imprudent [125]connexion that you have formed; I will soon convince you of their fallacy; for believe me, your father would rather see you wedded to poverty itself, than suffer you to continue your present intimacy with Glycera; but if he thinks you are indifferent, he will grow unconcerned, and look out another wife at his leisure; meantime something may happen in your favour. _Pam._ Do you think so? _Davus._ There is no doubt of it.