Scene II.

Enter Phidippus .

Phid. Soon as my wife perceiv'd That I was going to my daughter's chamber, She stole directly out o'doors. - But there She stands. - Why, how now, Myrrhina? Holo, I say! (She affects not to see him.)

Myrr. D'ye call me, husband?

Phid. Husband! Am I your husband? am I ev'n a man? For had you thought me to be either, woman, You would not dare to play upon me thus.

Myrr. How!

Phid. How? - My daughter has been brought to bed. - Ha! are you dumb? - By whom?

Myrr. Is that a question For you, who are her father, to demand? Alas! by whom d'ye think, unless her husband?

Phid. So I believe: nor is it for a father To suppose otherwise. But yet I wonder That you have thus conceal'd her labor from us, Especially as she has been deliver'd At her full time, and all is as it should be. What! Is there such perverseness in your nature, As rather to desire the infant's death, Than that his birth should knit the bond of friendship Closer betwixt us; rather than my daughter, Against your liking, should remain the wife Of Pamphilus? - I thought all this Had been their fault, while you're alone to blame.

Myrr. How wretched am I!

Phid. Would to Heav'n you were! - But now I recollect your conversation When first we made this match, you then declar'd You'd not endure she should remain the wife Of Pamphilus, who follow'd mistresses, And pass'd the nights abroad.

Myrr. I had much rather He should think any reason than the true one. (Aside.)

Phid. I knew he kept a mistress; knew it long Ere you did, Myrrhina; but I could never Think that offense so grievous in a youth, Seeing 'tis natural to them all: and soon The time shall come when he'll stand self-reprov'd. But you, perverse and willful as at first, Could take no rest till you had brought away Your daughter, and annull'd the match I made: There's not a circumstance but loudly speaks Your evil disposition to the marriage.

Myrr. D'ye think me then so obstinate, that I, Who am her mother, should betray this spirit, Granting the match were of advantage to us?

Phid. Is it for you then to foresee, or judge What's of advantage to us? You perhaps Have heard from some officious busy-body, That they have seen him going to his mistress, Or coming from her house: and what of that, So it were done discreetly, and but seldom? Were it not better that we should dissemble Our knowledge of it, than pry into things Which to appear to know would make him hate us? For could he tear her from his heart at once, To whom he'd been so many years attach'd, I should not think he were a man, or likely To prove a constant husband to my daughter.

Myrr. No more of Pamphilus or my offense; Since you will have it so! - Go, find him out; Confer with him alone, and fairly ask him, Will he, or no, take back Philumena? If he avows his inclination to't, Restore her; but if he refuses it, Allow, I've ta'en good counsel for my child.

Phid. Grant, he should prove repugnant to the match, Grant, you perceiv'd this in him, Myrrhina; Was not I present! had not I a right To be consulted in't? - It makes me mad. That you should dare to act without my order: And I forbid you to remove the child Out of this house. - But what a fool am I, Enjoining her obedience to my orders! I'll in, and charge the servants not to suffer The infant to be carried forth.

Exit.