_Pam._ Heavens! I’m quite distracted: (_to Davus._) Villain! behold the misery to which we are reduced: this is your work! she has heard of the intended marriage, and therefore sends for me. _Char._ All would have been quiet, if that fellow had but been quiet. _Davus._ (_to Charinus._) Well done! if he does not rave enough of himself, do try to make him worse. _Mysis._ It is the rumour of your approaching marriage with Philumena that makes her so miserable. _Pam._ Mysis, I solemnly swear to you by all the gods, that I never will forsake her; no, though my love for her should make all mankind my foes, I never, never will forsake her. I wooed, and made her mine; our souls accord; and I will hold no communion with those who wish to separate us: death alone shall part us. _Mysis._ Your words revive me, Pamphilus. _Pam._ [166]The oracles of Apollo are not more true. I wish, that, if it be possible, my father should not think that I throw any impediments in the way of the marriage: if not, I will do what will be easily done, tell him frankly that I cannot marry Chremes’s daughter. Charinus, what do you think of me? _Char._ That you are as wretched as I am. _Davus._ I am studying for an expedient. _Char._ (_to Pamphilus._) But you are constant and courageous[167]. _Pam._ (_to Davus._) I know what you would attempt[168]. _Davus._ I will both attempt, and accomplish it, rest assured, Sir. _Pam._ But it must be done immediately. _Davus._ It shall be done immediately. _Char._ What is your plan? _Davus._ (_to Charinus._) Do not deceive yourself, Sir; ’tis not for you, but for my master that I am scheming. _Char._ Enough. _Pam._ What are you going to do? tell me[169]. _Davus._ I am afraid that this day will scarcely afford me sufficient time for action: I am sure I have none to waste in talking: let me beg you both to withdraw from this place: you hinder me from putting my designs into execution. _Pam._ I will go to my Glycera. [_Exit._ SCENE IV. DAVUS, CHARINUS, MYSIS. _Davus._ (_to Charinus._) And you, Sir, where are you going? _Char._ Shall I tell you the truth? _Davus._ Oh! by all means. Now for a long story. (_aside._) _Char._ What will become of me? _Davus._ Heyday! modest enough this, i’faith! is it not sufficient that I give you a respite by putting off the marriage? _Char._ Yet, Davus―――― _Davus._ What now? _Char._ Could I but wed her! _Davus._ Absurd. _Char._ If you can assist me, let me see you soon. _Davus._ Why should I come, I can do nothing? _Char._ Yet, if you should be able―――― _Davus._ Well, then I will come. _Char._ If you want me, I shall be at home. [_Exit._ SCENE V. DAVUS, MYSIS. _Davus._ Mysis, do you wait here for me a moment, till I come out again?