SCA. Things which you don't hope happen more frequently than things which you do hope. In fine, if you cannot be persuaded by words to believe this to be the truth, judge of my words from facts; consider _this_ instance, who I _now_ am, and who I _once_ was. No less than you _are_ now, was I _once_ beloved, and I devoted myself to one, who, faith, when with age this head changed its hue, forsook and deserted me. Depend on it, the same will happen to yourself. PHILO. (_apart_). I can scarcely withhold myself from flying at the eyes of this mischief-maker. PHILE. I am of opinion that I ought to keep myself alone devoted to him, since to myself alone has he given freedom for himself alone. PHILO. (_apart_). O ye immortal Gods! what a charming woman, and of a disposition how chaste! By heaven, 'tis excellently done, and I'm rejoiced at it, that it is for her sake I've got nothing _left_. SCA. On my word you really are silly. PHILE. For what reason? SCA. Because you care for this, whether he loves you. PHILE. Prithee, why should I not care for it? SCA. You now are free. You've now got what you wanted; if he didn't still love you, as much money as he gave for your liberty, he'd lose. PHILO. (_apart_). Heavens, I'm a dead man if I don't torture her to death after the most shocking fashion. That evil-persuading enticer to vice is corrupting this damsel. PHILE. Scapha, I can never return him _sufficient_ thanks for what he deserves of me; don't you be persuading me to esteem him less. SCA. But take care and reflect upon this one thing, if you devote yourself to him alone, while now you are at this youthful age, you'll be complaining to no purpose in your aged years. PHILO. (_apart_). I could wish myself this instant changed into a quinsy, that I might seize the throat of that old witch, and put an end to the wicked mischief-maker. PHILE. It befits me now to have the same grateful feelings since I obtained it, as formerly before I acquired it, when I used to lavish caresses upon him. PHILO. (_apart_). May the Gods do towards me what they please, if for that speech I don't make you free over again, and if I don't torture Scapha to death. SCA. If you are quite assured that you will have a provision to the end, and that this lover will be your own for life, I think that you ought to devote yourself to him alone, and assume the character of a wife [2]. PHILE. Just as a person's character is, he's in the habit of finding means accordingly; if I keep a good character for myself I shall be rich enough. PHILO. (_apart_). By my troth, since selling there must be, my father shall be sold much sooner than, while I'm alive, I'll ever permit you to be in want or go a-begging. SCA. What's to become of the rest of those who are in love with you? PHILE. They'll love me the more when they see me displaying gratitude to one who has done me services.