PAR. He has; but I doubt whether this match will be lasting. PHIL. May the Gods and Goddesses grant it so, if it is for the advantage of Bacchis. But why am I to believe it is so? Tell me, Parmeno. PAR. There is no need for its being spread abroad; ask me no more about it. PHIL. For fear, I suppose, it may be made public. So may the Gods prosper me, I do not ask you in order that I may spread it abroad, but that, in silence, I may rejoice within myself. PAR. You’ll never speak me so fairly, that I shall trust my back to your discretion. PHIL. Oh, don’t {say so}, Parmeno;[27] as though you were not much more impatient to tell me this, than I to learn what I’m inquiring about. PAR. (_to himself._) She tells the truth there; and that is my greatest failing. (_To PHILOTIS._) If you give me your word that you’ll keep it a secret, I’ll tell you. PHIL. You are {now} returning to your {natural} disposition. I give you my word; say on. PAR. Listen. PHIL. I’m all attention. PAR. Pamphilus was in the height of his passion for Bacchis here, when his father began to importune him to take a wife, and to urge those points which are usual with all fathers, that he {himself} was {now} in years, and that he was his only son, that he wished for a support for his declining years. He refused at first. But on his father pressing more urgently, he caused him to become wavering in his mind, whether to yield rather to duty or to love. By hammering on and teazing him, at last the old man gained his point; and betrothed him to the daughter of our next-door neighbor here (_pointing to the house of PHIDIPPUS_). This did not seem so very disagreeable to Pamphilus, until on the very point of marriage, when he saw that all was ready, and that no respite was granted, but marry he must; then, at last, he took it so much to heart, that I do believe if Bacchis had been present, {even} she would have pitied him. Whenever opportunity was afforded for us being alone, so that he could converse with me, {he used to say}: “Parmeno, I am ruined! What have I done! Into what misery have I plunged myself! Parmeno, I shall never be able to endure this. To my misery, I am undone!” PHIL. (_vehemently exclaiming._) May the Gods and Goddesses confound you, Laches, for vexing him so! PAR. To cut the matter short, he took home his wife. On the first night, he did not touch the girl; the night that followed that, not a bit the more. PHIL. What is it you tell me? A young man go to bed with a virgin, intoxicated to boot, {and} able to restrain himself from touching her! You do not say what’s likely; nor do I believe it to be the truth. PAR. I suppose it does seem so to you, for no one comes to you unless he is eager for you; {but} he had married her against his will. PHIL. After this, what followed?