Scene IV.

Enter at a distance Pamphilus and Parmeno .

Pam. Be sure you prove this to me, Parmeno; Prithee, be sure on't. Do not bubble me With false and short-liv'd joy.

Par. 'Tis even so.

Pam. For certain?

Par. Aye, for certain.

Pam. I'm in heaven, If this be so.

Par. You'll find it very true.

Pam. Hold, I beseech you. - I'm afraid I think One thing, while you relate another.

Par. Well?

Pam. You said, I think, "that Myrrhina discover'd The ring on Bacchis' finger was her own."

Par. She did.

Pam. "The same I gave her formerly. - And Bacchis bade you run and tell me this." Is it not so?

Par. I tell you, Sir, it is.

Pam. Who is more fortunate, more bless'd than I? - What shall I give you for this news? what? what? I don't know.

Par. But I know.

Pam. What?

Par. Just nothing. For I see nothing of advantage to you, Or in the message, or myself.

Pam. Shall I Permit you to go unrewarded; you, Who have restor'd me ev'n from death to life? Ah, Parmeno, d'ye think me so ungrateful? - But yonder's Bacchis standing at the door. She waits for me, I fancy. I'll go to her.

Bacch. (seeing him). Pamphilus, save you.

Pam. Bacchis! my dear Bacchis! My guardian! my protectress!

Bacch. All is well: And I'm o'erjoy'd at it.

Pam. Your actions speak it. You're still the charming girl I ever found you. Your presence, company, and conversation, Come where you will, bring joy and pleasure with them.

Bacch. And you, in faith, are still the same as ever, The sweetest, most engaging man on earth.

Pam. Ha! ha! ha! that speech from you, dear Bacchis?

Bacch. You lov'd your wife with reason, Pamphilus: Never that I remember, did I see her Before to-day; and she's a charming woman.

Pam. Speak truth.

Bacch. So Heaven help me, Pamphilus!

Pam. Say, have you told my father any part Of this tale?

Bacch. Not a word.

Pam. Nor is there need. Let all be hush! I would not have it here, As in a comedy, where every thing Is known to every body. Here those persons Whom it concerns already know it; they, Who 'twere not meet should know it, never shall.

Bacch. I promise you it may with ease be hid. Myrrhina told Phidippus that my oath Convinc'd her, and she held you clear.

Pam. Good! good! All will be well, and all, I hope, end well.

Par. May I know, Sir, what good I've done to-day? And what's the meaning of your conversation?

Pam. No.

Par. I suspect, however. - "I restore him From death to life" - which way? -

Pam. Oh, Parmeno, You can't conceive the good you've done to-day; From what distress you have deliver'd me.

Par. Ah, but I know, and did it with design.

Pam. Oh, I'm convinced of that. (Ironically.)

Par. Did Parmeno Ever let slip an opportunity Of doing what he ought, Sir?

Pam. Parmeno, In after me!

Par. I follow. - By my troth, I've done more good to-day, without design, Than ever with design in all my life. - Clap your hands!