I am quite distracted in mind! for this misfortune so unexpectedly to befall me, that I neither know what to do with myself, or how to act! My limbs are enfeebled through fear, my faculties bewildered with apprehension; no counsel is able to find a place within my breast. Alas! how to extricate myself from this perplexity I know not; so strong a suspicion has taken possession of them about me; not without some reason too: Sostrata believes that I have purchased this Music-girl for {myself}: the old woman informed me of that. For by accident, when she was sent for the midwife, I saw her, and at once went up to her. “How is Pamphila?” I inquired; “is her delivery at hand? Is it for that she is sending for the midwife?” “Away, away, Æschinus,” cries she; “you have deceived us long enough; already have your promises disappointed us sufficiently.” “Ha!” said I; “pray what is the meaning of this?” “Farewell,” {she cries}; “keep to her who is your choice.” I instantly guessed what it was they suspected, but still I checked myself, that I might not be telling that gossip any thing about my brother, whereby it might be divulged. Now what am I to do? Shall I say she is for my brother, a thing that ought by no means to be repeated any where? However, let that pass. It is possible it might go no further. I am afraid they would not believe it, so many probabilities concur {against it}: ’twas I myself carried her off; ’twas I, my own self, that paid the money {for her}; ’twas my own house she was carried to. This I confess has been entirely my own fault. Ought I not to have disclosed this affair, just as it happened, to my father? I might have obtained his consent to marry her. I have been too negligent hitherto; henceforth, then, arouse yourself, Æschinus. This then is the first thing; to go to them and clear myself. I’ll approach the door. (_Advances to the door of SOSTRATA’S house._) Confusion! I always tremble most dreadfully when I go to knock at that {door}. (_Knocking and calling to them within._) Ho there, ho there! it is Æschinus; open the door immediately, some one. (_The door opens._) Some person, I know not who, is coming out; I’ll step aside here. (_He stands apart._) SCENE VI. _Enter MICIO from the house of SOSTRATA._ MIC. (_speaking at the door to SOSTRATA._) Do as I told {you}, Sostrata; I’ll go find Æschinus, that he may know how these matters have been settled. (_Looking round._) But who was it knocking at the door? ÆSCH. (_apart._) Heavens, it is my father! --I am undone! MIC. Æschinus! ÆSCH. (_aside._) What can be his business here? MIC. Was it you knocking at this door? (_Aside._) He is silent. Why shouldn’t I rally him a little? It would be as well, as he was never willing to trust me with this {secret}. (_To ÆSCHINUS._) Don’t you answer me? ÆSCH. (_confusedly._) It wasn’t I {knocked} at that {door}, that I know of. MIC. Just so; for I wondered what business you could have here. (_Apart._) He blushes; all’s well.