The Comedies of Terence Part 99

--Of all these things the ring has been the cause.

For I remember, near ten months ago, That he came running home to me one evening, Breathless, alone, and much inflam'd with wine, Bringing this ring. I was alarm'd at it.

"Prithee, my dearest Pamphilus, said I, Whence comes all this confusion? whence this ring?

Tell me, my love."--He put me off at first: Perceiving this, it made me apprehend Something of serious import, and I urg'd him More earnestly to tell me.--He confess'd That, as he came along, he had committed A rape upon a virgin--whom he knew not---- And as she struggled, forc'd from her that ring: Which Myrrhina now seeing on my finger, Immediately acknowledg'd, and inquir'd How I came by it. I told all this story: Whence 'twas discover'd that Philumena Was she who had been ravish'd, and the child Conceiv'd from that encounter.--That I've been The instrument of all these joys I'm glad, Though other courtesans would not be so; Nor is it for our profit and advantage That lovers should be happy in their marriage.

But never will I, for my calling's sake, Suffer ingrat.i.tude to taint my mind.

I found him, while occasion gave him leave, Kind, pleasant, and good-humor'd: and this marriage Happen'd unluckily, I must confess.

Yet I did nothing to estrange his love; And since I have receiv'd much kindness from him, 'Tis fit I should endure this one affliction.

[Changes:

_Harper_ I've sav'd; a wife he meant to put away _Colman 1768_ I sav'd; a wife he meant to put away]

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?----