Scene VIII.

Enter at a distance Laches and Phidippus .

Lach. Did not you say She only waited my son's coming?

Phid. Aye.

Lach. They say that he's arriv'd. Let us return then!

Pam. (behind). What reason I shall frame to give my father, For not recalling her, I can not tell.

Lach. (overhearing). Whose voice was that?

Pam. (to himself). And yet I am resolv'd To stand to my first purpose.

Lach. (seeing Pamphilus ). He himself, Whom I was speaking of!

Pam. (going up). My father, save you!

Lach. Save you, my son!

Phid. Pamphilus, welcome home! I'm glad to see you safe, and in good health.

Pam. I do believe it.

Lach. Are you just now come?

Pam. Just now, Sir.

Lach. Well; and tell me, Pamphilus, What has our kinsman Phania left us?

Pam. Ah, Sir, He, his whole lifetime, was a man of pleasure, And such men seldom much enrich their heirs. Yet he has left at least this praise behind him, "While he liv'd, he liv'd well."

Lach. And have you brought Nothing home with you but this single sentence?

Pam. What he has left, though small, is of advantage.

Lach. Advantage? No, it is a disadvantage: For I could wish he was alive and well.

Phid. That you may safely; for your wishing for't Will never bring the man to life again: Yet I know well enough which you'd like best. (Aside.)

Lach. (to Pamphilus ). Phidippus order'd that Philumena Should be sent over to him yesterday. - Say that you order'd it. (Aside to Phidippus, thrusting him.)

Phid. (aside to Laches ). Don't thrust me so. - I did. (Aloud.)

Lach. But now he'll send her home again.

Phid. I will.

Pam. Nay, nay, I know the whole affair. Since my arrival, I have heard it all.

Lach. Now plague upon these envious tale-bearers, Who are so glad to fetch and carry news!

Pam. (to Phidippus ). That I've endeavor'd to deserve no blame From any of the family, I'm conscious. Were it my inclination to relate How true I've been, how kind and gentle tow'rd her, I well might do it: but I rather choose You should collect it from herself. For when She, although now there's enmity between us, Bespeaks me fair, you will the sooner credit My disposition tow'rd her. And I call The Gods to witness that this separation Has not arisen from my fault. But since She thinks it is beneath her to comply With Sostrata, and bear my mother's temper; And since no other means are to be found Of reconciliation, I, Phidippus, Must leave my mother or Philumena. Duty then calls me to regard my mother.

Lach. My Pamphilus, I can not be displeas'd That you prefer to all the world a parent. But take heed your resentment don't transport you Beyond the bounds of reason, Pamphilus.

Pam. Ah, what resentment can I bear to her, Who ne'er did any thing I'd wish undone, But has so often deserv'd well of me? I love her, own her worth, and languish for her; For I have known her tenderness of soul: And Heaven grant that with some other husband She find that happiness she miss'd in me; From whom the strong hand of necessity Divorces her forever!

Phid. That event 'Tis in your pow'r to hinder.

Lach. If you're wise, Take your wife home again!

Pam. I can not, father. I must not slack my duty to my mother. (Going.)

Lach. Where are you going?

Exit Pamphilus .