PAM. And Chremes too, Who had refus'd to trust me with his daughter, Changes his mind, because I change not mine. Can he then be so obstinately bent To tear me from Glycerium? To lose her Is losing life.--Was ever man so cross'd, So curs'd as I?--Oh pow'rs of heav'n and earth! Can I by no means fly from this alliance With Chremes' family?--so oft contemn'd And held in scorn!--all done, concluded all!---- Rejected, then recall'd:--and why?--unless, For so I must suspect, they breed some monster, Whom as they can obtrude on no one else, They bring to me. MYSIS. Alas, alas! this speech Has struck me almost dead with fear. PAM. And then My father!--what to say of him?--Oh shame! A thing of so much consequence to treat So negligently!--For but even now Passing me in the forum, "Pamphilus! To-day's your wedding-day, said he: prepare; Go, get you home!"--This sounded in my ears As if he said, "go, hang yourself!"--I stood Confounded. Think you I could speak one word? Or offer an excuse, how weak soe'er? No, I was dumb:--and had I been aware, Should any ask what I'd have done, I would, Rather than this, do any thing.--But now What to resolve upon?--So many cares Entangle me at once, and rend my mind, Pulling it diff'rent ways. My love, compassion, This urgent match, my rev'rence for my father, Who yet has ever been so gentle to me, And held so slack a rein upon my pleasures. --And I oppose him?--Racking thought!--Ah me! I know not what to do. MYSIS. Alas, I fear Where this uncertainty will end. 'Twere best He should confer with her; or I at least Speak touching her to him. For while the mind Hangs in suspense, a trifle turns the scale. PAM. Who's there? what, Mysis! Save you! MYSIS. Save you! Sir. (_Coming forward._) PAM. How does she? MYSIS. How! oppress'd with wretchedness. To-day supremely wretched, as to-day Was formerly appointed for your wedding. And then she fears lest you desert her. PAM. I! Desert her? Can I think on't? or deceive A wretched maid! who trusted to my care Her life and honor. Her whom I have held Near to my heart, and cherish'd as my wife? Or leave her modest and well nurtur'd mind Through want to be corrupted? Never, never. MYSIS. No doubt, did it depend on you alone; But if constrain'd---- PAM. D'ye think me then so vile? Or so ungrateful, so inhuman, savage, Neither long intercourse, nor love, nor shame, Can make me keep my faith? MYSIS. I only know That she deserves you should remember her.