The Comedies of Terence | Page 9

woman is defenseless. No sooner said than done; he will find some pretext for driving her away from the city.
PAM. Driving her away?
DAV. {Aye}, and quickly too.
PAM. Tell me then, Davus, what am I to do?
DAV. Say that you will marry her.
PAM. (starting.) Ha!
DAV. What's the matter?
PAM. What, am I to say so?
DAV. Why not?
PAM. Never will I do it.
DAV. Don't say so.
PAM. Don't attempt to persuade me.
DAV. Consider what will be the result of it.
PAM. That I shall be deprived of the one, {and} fixed with the other.
DAV. Not so. In fact, I think it will be thus: Your father will say: "I wish you to marry a wife to-day." You reply: "I'll marry her." Tell me, how can he raise a quarrel with you? Thus you will cause all the plans which are now arranged by him to be disarranged, without any danger; for this is not to be doubted, that Chremes will not give you his daughter. Therefore do not hesitate in those measures which you are taking, on this account, lest he should change his sentiments. Tell your father that you consent; so that although he may desire it, he may not be able to be angry at you with reason. For that which you rely on, I will easily refute; "No one," {you think}, "will give a wife to {a person of} these habits." But he will find a beggar for you, rather than allow you to be corrupted {by a mistress}. If, however, he shall believe that you bear it with a contented mind, you will render him indifferent; at his leisure he will look out for another {wife for you}; in the mean time something lucky may turn up.
PAM. Do you think so?
DAV. It really is not a matter of doubt.
PAM. Consider to what you are persuading me.
DAV. Nay, but do be quiet.
PAM. Well, I'll say it; but, that he mayn't come to know that she has had a child by me, is a thing to be guarded against; for I have promised to bring it up.
DAV. Oh, piece of effrontery.
PAM. She entreated me that I would give her this pledge, by which she might be sure she should not be deserted.
DAV. It shall be attended to; but your father's coming. Take care that he doesn't perceive that you are out of spirits.
SCENE V.
Enter SIMO, at a distance.
SIM. (apart to himself.) I've come back to see what they are about, or what scheme they are hatching.
DAV. (to PAMPHILUS.) He has no doubt at present but that you'll refuse to marry. Having considered his course, he's come from a retired spot somewhere or other; he hopes that he has framed a speech by which to disconcert you; do you take care, then, to be yourself.
PAM. If I am only able, Davus.
DAV. Trust me for that, Pamphilus, I tell you; your father will never this day exchange a single word with you, if you say that you will marry.
SCENE VI.
Enter BYRRHIA, unperceived, at a distance behind SIMO.
BYR. (apart to himself.) My master has ordered me, leaving my business, to keep an eye on Pamphilus to-day, what he is doing with regard to the marriage. I was to learn it; for that reason, I have now followed him[55] (pointing to SIMO) as he came {hither}. Himself, as well, I see standing with Davus close at hand; I'll note this.
SIM. (apart to himself.) I see that both of them are here.
DAV. (in a low voice to PAMPHILUS.) Now then, be on your guard.
SIM. Pamphilus!
DAV. (in a low voice.) Look round at him as though taken unawares.
PAM. (turning round sharply.) What, my father!
DAV. (in a low voice.) Capital!
SIM. I wish you to marry a wife to-day, as I was saying.
BYR. (apart.) Now I'm in dread for our side, as to what he will answer.
PAM. Neither in that nor in any thing else shall you ever find any hesitation in me.
BYR. (apart.) Hah!
DAV. (in a low voice to PAMPHILUS.) He is struck dumb.
BYR. (apart.) What a speech!
SIM. You act as becomes you, when that which I ask I obtain with {a good} grace.
DAV. (aside to PAMPHILUS.) Am I right?
BYR. My master, so far as I learn, has missed his wife.
SIM. Now, then, go in-doors, that you mayn't be causing delay when you are wanted.
PAM. I'll go. (Goes into the house.)
BYR. (apart.) Is there, in no case, putting trust in any man? That is a true proverb which is wont to be commonly quoted, that "all had rather it to be well for themselves than for another." I remember noticing, when I saw her, {that she was} a young woman of handsome figure; wherefore I am the more {disposed to excuse} Pamphilus, if he has preferred that he himself, rather than the other, should embrace her in his slumbers. I'll