BACCH. Did I know any thing, to gain your credit, More sacred than an oath, I'd use it, Laches, In solemn protestation to assure you That I have had no commerce with your son Since he was married. LACH. Good girl! but dy'e know What I would farther have you do? BACCH. Inform me. LACH. Go to the women here, and offer them The same oath. Satisfy their minds, and clear Yourself from all reproach in this. BACCH. I'll do't; Although I'm sure no other of my calling Would show herself before a married woman Upon the same occasion.--But it hurts me To see your son suspected on false grounds; And that, to those who owe him better thoughts, His conduct should seem light. For he deserves All my best offices. LACH. Your conversation has much wrought upon me, Gain'd my good-will, and alter'd my opinion. For not the women only thought thus of you, But I believ'd it too. Now therefore, since I've found you better than my expectation, Prove still the same, and make my friendship sure. If otherwise--But I'll contain myself. I'll not Say any thing severe.--But I advise you, Rather experience what a friend I am, Than what an enemy. BACCH. I'll do my best. [Changes: _Harper_ LACH. If you speak truth, you're in no danger, woman. _Colman 1768_ LACH. Speak but the truth, you're in no danger, woman.] SCENE IX. _Enter PHIDIPPUS and a Nurse._ PHID. (_to the Nurse_). Nay, you shall want for nothing at my house; I'll give you all that's needful in abundance; But when you've eat and drank your fill yourself, Take care to satisfy the infant too. LACH. I see the father of Philumena Coming this way. He brings the child a nurse. --Phidippus, Bacchis swears most solemnly---- PHID. Is this she? LACH. Aye. PHID. They never mind the Gods, Nor do I think the Gods mind them. BACCH. Here are My waiting-women: take them, and extort By any kind of torment the truth from them. --Our present business is, I take it, this: That I should win the wife of Pamphilus To return home; which so I but effect, I sha'n't regret the same of having done What others of my calling would avoid. LACH. Phidippus, we've discover'd that in fact We both suspected our wives wrongfully. Let's now try her: for if your wife perceives Her own suspicions also are unjust, She'll drop her anger. If my son's offended Because his wife conceal'd her labor from him, That's but a trifle; he'll be soon appeas'd. --And truly I see nothing in this matter That need occasion a divorce. PHID. 'Fore Heaven, I wish that all may end well. LACH. Here she is: Examine her; she'll give you satisfaction. PHID. What needs all this to Me! You know my mind Already, Laches: do but make them easy. LACH. Bacchis, be sure you keep your promise with me. BACCH. Shall I go in then for that purpose? LACH. Aye. Go in; remove their doubts, and satisfy them. BACCH. I will; although I'm very sure my presence Will be unwelcome to them; for a wife, When parted from her husband, to a mistress Is a sure enemy.