Scene VIII.

Enter Bacchis attended by her Women.

Bacch. (to herself). 'Tis not for nothing Laches wants to see me; And, or I'm much deceiv'd, I guess the cause.

Lach. (to himself). I must take care my anger don't transport me Beyond the bounds of prudence, which may hinder My gaining my design on her, and urge me To do what I may afterward repent. I'll to her. - (Going up.) Save you, Bacchis!

Bacch. Save you, Laches!

Lach. Bacchis, I do not doubt but you're surpris'd That I should send the boy to call you forth.

Bacch. Aye, and I'm fearful too, when I reflect Both who and what I am: lest my vocation Should prejudice me in your good opinion. My conduct I can fully justify.

Lach. Speak but the truth, you're in no danger, woman. For I'm arriv'd at that age when a trespass Would not be easily forgiven in me. Wherefore I study to proceed with caution, And to do nothing rashly. If you act, And will continue to act honestly, It were ungenerous to do you wrong, And seeing you deserve it not, unjust.

Bacch. Truly, this conduct asks my highest thanks; For he who does the wrong, and then asks pardon, Makes but a sorry reparation for it. But what's your pleasure?

Lach. You receive the visits Of my son Pamphilus -

Bacch. Ah! -

Lach. Let me speak. Before he married I endur'd your love. - Stay! I've not finish'd all I have to say. - He is now married. You then, while 'tis time, Seek out another and more constant friend. For he will not be fond of you forever, Nor you, good faith, forever in your bloom.

Bacch. Who tells you that I still receive the visits Of Pamphilus?

Lach. His step-mother.

Bacch. I?

Lach. You. And therefore has withdrawn her daughter: therefore Meant secretly to kill the new-born child.

Bacch. Did I know any thing, to gain your credit, More sacred than an oath, I'd use it, Laches, In solemn protestation to assure you That I have had no commerce with your son Since he was married.

Lach. Good girl! but dy'e know What I would farther have you do?

Bacch. Inform me.

Lach. Go to the women here, and offer them The same oath. Satisfy their minds, and clear Yourself from all reproach in this.

Bacch. I'll do't; Although I'm sure no other of my calling Would show herself before a married woman Upon the same occasion. - But it hurts me To see your son suspected on false grounds; And that, to those who owe him better thoughts, His conduct should seem light. For he deserves All my best offices.

Lach. Your conversation has much wrought upon me, Gain'd my good-will, and alter'd my opinion. For not the women only thought thus of you, But I believ'd it too. Now therefore, since I've found you better than my expectation, Prove still the same, and make my friendship sure. If otherwise - But I'll contain myself. I'll not Say any thing severe. - But I advise you, Rather experience what a friend I am, Than what an enemy.

Bacch. I'll do my best.