Scene V.

Enter Laches .

Lach. I have been standing at a distance, wife, And overheard your conversation with him. You have done wisely to subdue your temper, And freely to comply with what, perhaps, Hereafter must be done.

Sostra. And let it be!

Lach. Now then retire with me into the country: There I shall bear with you, and you with me.

Sostra. I hope we shall.

Lach. Go in then, and pack up The necessaries you would carry with you. Away!

Sostra. I shall obey your orders.

Exit.

Pam. Father!

Lach. Well, Pamphilus?

Pam. My mother leave the town? By no means.

Lach. Why?

Pam. Because I'm yet uncertain What I shall do about my wife.

Lach. How's that? What would you do but take her home again?

Pam. 'Tis what I wish for, and can scarce forbear. But I'll not alter what I first design'd. What's best I'll follow: and I'm well convinc'd No other means remain to make them friends, But that I should not take her home again.

Lach. You don't know that: but 'tis of no importance Whether they're friends or not, when Sostrata Is gone into the country. We old folks Are odious to the young. We'd best retire. In short, we're grown a by-word, Pamphilus, "The old man and old woman." - But I see Phidippus coming in good time. Let's meet him!