Midsummer Night's Dream.

THE SUBJECT.

PAMPHILUS, the son of Laches by his wife Sostrata, being at the time enamored of Bacchis, a Courtesan, chances, one night, in a drunken fit, to debauch Philumena, the daughter of Phidippus and Myrrhina. In the struggle he takes a ring from her, which he gives to Bacchis. Some time afterward, at his father's express desire, he consents to marry. By chance the young woman whom he has ravished is given to him as a wife, to the great joy of her mother, who alone is aware of her misfortune, and hopes that her disgrace may be thereby concealed. It, however, happens otherwise ; for Pamphilus, still retaining his passion for Bacchis, refuses for some time to cohabit with her. Bacchis, however, now rejects the advances of Pamphilus, who by degrees becomes weaned from his affection for her, and grows attached to his wife, whom he has hitherto disliked. Meantime, however, he is suddenly called away from home. During his absence, Philumena, finding herself pregnant, in consequence of her misfortune before her marriage, fearing detection, especially avoids the company of her mother-in-law. At length she makes an excuse for returning to the home of her own parents, where she remains. Sostrata thereupon sends for her, but is answered that she is ill, on which she goes to see her, but is refused admittance to the house. On hearing of this, Laches blames his wife as being the cause of this estrangement. Pamphilus now returns, and it so happens that, on the day of his arrival, Philumena is brought to bed of a child. Impatient to see her, Pamphilus rushes into her room, and to his great distress finds that this is the case. Myrrhina thereupon entreats him to keep the matter secret, and begs him, if he refuses to receive her daughter back again, at least not to ruin her reputation by divulging it. As he now declines either to take back his wife or give his reason for so doing, Laches suspects that he is still enamored of Bacchis, and accordingly sends for her, and expostulates with her. She, however, exonerates herself; on which the old man, supposing that Philumena and her mother are equally ignorant with himself as to his son's motives, begs her to call on them and remove their suspicions. While she is conversing with them, they recognize the ring upon her finger which Pamphilus had formerly taken from Philumena. By means of this it is discovered that Pamphilus himself is the person who has ravished Philumena; on which, overjoyed, he immediately takes home his wife and son.

THE TITLE OF THE PLAY.

PERFORMED at the Megalensian Games; Sextus Julius Caesar and Cneius Cornelius Dolabella being Curule Aediles. The whole was not then acted. Flaccus, the freedman of Claudius, composed the music to a pair of flutes. It was composed wholly from the Greek of Menander.Menander)—According to some, this Play was borrowed from the Greek of Apollodorus, a Comic Poet and contemporary of Menander, who wrote forty-seven Plays. It was performed the first time without a Prologue. Represented a second time; Cneius Octavius and T. Manlius being Consuls.Being Consuls)—Cneius Octavius Nepos and T. Manlius Torquatus were Consuls in the year from the building of the City 587, and B.C. 166. It was then brought out in honor of L. Aemilius Paulus, at his Funeral Games, and was not approved of. It was repeated a third time; Q. Fulvius and L. Marcius being Curule Aediles. L. Ambivius Turpio performed it. It was then approved of.It was then approved of)—" Placuit." This is placed at the end, in consequence of the inauspicious reception which had been given to it on the two first representations. See the account given in the Prologues.

THE SUMMARY OF C. SULPITIUS APOLLINARIS.

PAMPHILUS has married Philumena, to whom, when a virgin, he formerly, not knowing who she was, offered violence; and whose ring, which he took off by force, he gave to his mistress, Bacchis, a Courtesan. Afterward he sets out for Imbros, not having touched his bride. Having become pregnant, her mother brings her over to her own house, as though sick, that her mother-in-law may not know it. Pamphilus returns; detects her being delivered; conceals it; but determines not to take back his wife. His father imputes this to his passion for Bacchis. While Bacchis is exculpating herself, Myrrhina, the mother of the injured girl, by chance recognizes the ring. Pamphilus takes back his wife, together with his son.

THE FIRST PROLOGUE.Prologue

HECYRA Hecyra: The Greek word a "step-mother," or "mother-in-law," Latinized. is the name of this Play; when it was represented for the first time, an unusual disaster and calamity And calamity: "Calamitas." This word is used in the same sense in the first line of the Eunuch. This is evidently the Prologue spoken on the second attempt to bring forward the piece. On the first occasion it probably had none. "Vitium" was a word used by the Augurs, with whom it implied an unfavorable omen, and thence came to be used for any misfortune or disaster. He seems to mean the depraved taste of the public, that preferred exhibitions of rope-dancers and pugilists to witnessing his Plays. interrupted it, so that it could not be witnessed throughout or estimated; so much had the populace, carried away with admiration, devoted their attention to some rope-dancing. It is now offered as though entirely a new Play; and he who wrote it did not wish to bring it forward then a second time, on purpose that he might be able again to sell it. Again to sell it: See the last Note to the Second Prologue. Other Plays of his Other Plays of his: Madame Dacier informs us that Vossius was of opinion that the second representation of this Play did not take place till after that of the Adelphi. In that case, they had already seen the rest of his Plays. you have seen represented; I beg you now to give your attention to this.

THE SECOND PROLOGUE.Second Prologue: —Eugraphius informs us that this Prologue was spoken by Ambivius Turpio, the head of the company of Actors.Prologue

I COME to you as an envoy from the Poet, in the character of prologue-speaker; allow me to be a successful pleader, that in my old age I may enjoy the same privilege that I enjoyed when a younger man, when I caused new Plays, that had been once rejected, to come into favor; so that his writings might not die with the Poet. Among them, as to those of Caecilius, Coecilius: Colman has the following Note: "A famous Comic Poet among the Romans. His chief excellences are said to have been, the gravity of his style and the choice of his subjects. The first quality was attributed to him by Horace, Tully, etc., and the last by Varro. 'In argumentis Caecilius poscit palmam, in ethesi Terentius.' 'In the choice of subjects, Caecilius demands the preference; in the manners, Terence.'" Madame Dacier, indeed, renders "in argumentis," "in the disposition of his subjects." But the words will not bear that construction. "Argumentum," I believe, is uniformly used for the argument itself, and never implies the conduct of it; as in the Prologue to the Andrian, "non tam dissimili argumento." Besides, the disposition of the subject was the very art attributed by the critics of those days to Terence, and which Horace mentions in the very same line with the gravity of Caecilius, distinguishing them as the several characteristics of each writer, "Vincere Caecilius gravitate, Terentius arte." which I first studied when new; in some of which I was rejected; in some I kept my ground with difficulty. As I knew that the fortune of the stage was varying, where the hopes were uncertain, I submitted to certain toil. Those I zealously attempted to perform, that from the same writer I might learn new ones, and not discourage him from his pursuits. I caused them to be represented. When seen, they pleased. Thus did I restore the Poet to his place, who was now almost weaned, through the malevolence of his adversaries, from his pursuits and labors, and from the dramatic art. But if I had at that period slighted the writer, and had wished to use my endeavors in discouraging him, so that he might live a life of idleness rather than of study, I might have easily discouraged him from writing others. Now, for my sake, hear with unbiased minds what it is I ask. I again bring before you the Hecyra, which I have never been allowed to act before you in silence; such misfortunes have so overwhelmed it. These misfortunes your intelligence will allay, if it is a seconder of our exertions. The first time, when I began to act this Play, the vauntings of boxers, Vauntings of boxers: Horace probably had this passage in his mind when he penned the First Epistle in his Second Book, 1. 185 ; where he mentions the populace leaving a Play in the midst for the sight of a bear, or an exhibition of boxers. the expectation of a rope-dancer, Of a rope-dancer: The art of dancing on the tight rope was carried to great perfection among the ancients. Many paintings have been discovered, which show the numerous attitudes which the performers assumed. The figures have their heads enveloped in skins or caps, probably intended as a protection in case of falling. At the conclusion of the performance the dancer ran down the rope. Germanicus and Galba are said to have exhibited elephants dancing on the tight rope. added to which, the throng of followers, the noise, the clamor of the women, caused me to retire from your presence before the time. In this new Play, I attempted to follow the old custom of mine, The old custom of mine: He says that on the second representation he followed the plan which he had formerly adopted in the Plays of Caecilius, of bringing those forward again which had not given satisfaction at first. of making a fresh trial; I brought it on again. In the first Act I pleased; when in the mean time a rumor spread that gladiators were about to be exhibited; the populace flock together, make a tumult, clamor aloud, and fight for their places: Fight for their places: This was in consequence of their sitting indiscriminately at the Amphitheatre, where the gladiators were exhibited; whereas at the Theatres there were distinct places appropriated to each "ordo" or class. meantime, I was unable to maintain my place. Now there is no confusion: there is attention and silence—an opportunity of acting my Play has been granted me; to yourselves is given the power of gracing the scenic festival. Gracing the scenic festival: Madame Dacier remarks that there is great force and eloquence in the Actor's affecting a concern for the sacred festivals, which were in danger of being deprived of their chief ornaments, if by too great a severity they discouraged the Poets who undertook to furnish the Plays during the solemnity. Do not permit, through your agency, the dramatic art to sink into the hands of a few; let your authority prove a seconder and assistant to my own. If I have never covetously set a price upon my skill, and have come to this conclusion, that it is the greatest gain in the highest possible degree to contribute to your entertainment; allow me to obtain this of you, that him who has intrusted his labors to my protection, and himself to your integrity,—that him, I say, the malicious may not maliciously deride, beset by them on every side. For my sake, admit of this plea, and attend in silence, that he may be encouraged to write other Plays, and that it may be for my advantage to study new ones hereafter, purchased at my own expense. At my own expense: It is generally supposed that "meo pretio" means "a price named as my estimate;" and that it was the custom for the Aediles to purchase a Play of a Poet at a price fixed by the head of the company of actors. It is also thought that the money was paid to the actor, who handed over the whole, or a certain part, to the Poet, and if the Play was not received with favor, the Aediles had the right to ask back the money from the actor, who consequently became a loser by the transaction. Pareus and Meric Casaubon think, however, that in case of this Play, the Aediles had purchased it from the Poet, and the performers had bought it of the Aediles as a speculation. What he means at the end of the First Prologue by selling the Play over again, is not exactly known. Perhaps if the Play had been then performed throughout and received with no favor, he would have had to forfeit the money, and lose all right to any future pecuniary interest in it; but he preferred to cancel the whole transaction, and to reserve the Play for purchase and representation at a more favorable period.

Enter PHILOTISPhilotis: This is a protatic character, or one that helps to introduce the subject of the Play, and then appears no more. and SYRA.PHILOTIS

I' faith, Syra, you can find but very few lovers who prove constant to their mistresses. For instance, how often did this Pamphilus swear to Bacchis—how solemnly, so that any one might have readily believed him—that he never would take home a wife so long as she lived. Well now, he is married.

SYRA

Therefore, for that very reason, I earnestly both advise and entreat you to take pity upon no one, but plunder, fleece, and rend every man you lay hold of.

PHILOTIS

What! Hold no one exempt?

SYRA

No one; for not a single one of them, rest assured, comes to you without making up his mind, by means of his flatteries, to gratify his passion with you at the least possible expense. Will you not, pray, plot against them in return ?

PHILOTIS

And yet, upon my faith, it is unfair to be the same to all.

SYRA

What! unfair to take revenge on your enemies? or, for them to be caught in the very way they try to catch you ? Alas! wretched me! why do not your age and beauty belong to me, or else these sentiments of mine to you?

Enter PARMENO from the house of LACHES.PARMENO

at the door, speaking to SCIRTUS within. If the old man should be asking for me, do you say that I have just gone to the harbor to inquire about the arrival of Pamphilus. Do you hear what I say, Scirtus? If he asks for me, then you are to say so; if he does not, why, say nothing at all; so that at another time I may be able to employ that excuse as a new one. Comes forward, and looking around.—But is it my dear Philotis that I see? How has she come here? Accosting her. Philotis heartily good-morrow.

PHILOTIS

O, good-morrow, Parmeno,

SYRA

By my troth, good-morrow, Parmeno.

PARMENO

I' faith, Syra, the same to you. Philotis, tell me, where have you been enjoying yourself so long?

PHILOTIS

For my part, indeed, I have been far from enjoying myself, in leaving this place for Corinth with a most brutal captain; for two whole years, there, had I to put up with him to my sorrow.

PARMENO

I' troth, I fancy that regret for Athens full oft possessed you, and that you thought but poorly of your foresight.

PHILOTIS

It can not be expressed how impatient I was to return hither, get rid of the captain, and see yourselves here, that after our old fashion I might at my ease enjoy the merry-makings among you; for there it was not allowed me to speak, except at the moment prescribed, and on such subjects as he chose.

PARMENO

sarcastically. I don't think it was gallant in the captain to place a restraint on your tongue.

PHILOTIS

But what is this piece of business that Bacchis has just now been telling me in-doors here? pointing to her house. A thing I never supposed would come to pass, that he, in her lifetime, could possibly prevail upon his feelings to take a wife.

PARMENO

To take, indeed!

PHILOTIS

Why, look you, has he not taken one?

PARMENO

He has; but I doubt whether this match will be lasting.

PHILOTIS

May the Gods and Goddesses grant it so, if it is for the advantage of Bacchis. But why am I to believe it is so? Tell me, Parmeno.

PARMENO

There is no need for its being spread abroad; ask me no more about it.

PHILOTIS

For fear, I suppose, it may be made public. So may the Gods prosper me, I do not ask you in order that I may spread it abroad, but that, in silence, I may rejoice within myself.

PARMENO

You'll never speak me so fairly, that I shall trust my back to your discretion.

PHILOTIS

Oh, don't say so, Parmeno ; Don't say so, Parmeno: She says this ironically, at the same time intimating that she knows Parmeno too well, not to be sure that he is as impatient to impart the secret to her as she is to know it. Donatus remarks, that she pretends she has no curiosity to hear it, that he may deem her the more worthy to be intrusted with the secret. as though you were not much more impatient to tell me this, than I to learn what I'm inquiring about.

PARMENO

to himself. She tells the truth there; and that is my greatest failing. To PHILOTIS. If you give me your word that you'll keep it a secret, I'll tell you.

PHILOTIS

You are now returning to your natural disposition. I give you my word; say on.

PARMENO

Listen.

PHILOTIS

I'm all attention.

PARMENO

Pamphilus was in the height of his passion for Bacchis here, when his father began to importune him to take a wife, and to urge those points which are usual with all fathers, that he himself was now in years, and that he was his only son, that he wished for a support for his declining years. He refused at first. But on his father pressing more urgently, he caused him to become wavering in his mind, whether to yield rather to duty or to love. By hammering on and teazing him, at last the old man gained his point; and betrothed him to the daughter of our next-door neighbor here pointing to the house of PHIDIPPUS. This did not seem so very disagreeable to Pamphilus, until on the very point of marriage, when he saw that all was ready, and that no respite was granted, but marry he must; then, at last, he took it so much to heart, that I do believe if Bacchis had been present, even she would have pitied him. Whenever opportunity was afforded for us being alone, so that he could converse with me, he used to say: "Parmeno, I am ruined! What have I done! Into what misery have I plunged myself! Parmeno, I shall never be able to endure this. To my misery, I am undone !"

PHILOTIS

vehemently exclaiming. May the Gods and Goddesses confound you, Laches, for vexing him so !

PARMENO

To cut the matter short, he took home his wife. On the first night, he did not touch the girl; the night that followed that, not a bit the more.

PHILOTIS

What is it you tell me? A young man go to bed with a virgin, intoxicated to boot, and able to restrain himiself from touching her! You do not say what's likely; nor do I believe it to be the truth.

PARMENO

I suppose it does seem so to you, for no one comes to you unless he is eager for you; but he had married her against his will.

PHILOTIS

After this, what followed ?

PARMENO

In a very few days after, Pamphilus took me aside, away from the house, and told me how that the young woman was still untouched by him; and how that before he had taken her home as his wife, he had hoped to be able to endure this marriage: "But, Parmeno, as I can not resolve to live with her any longer, it is neither honorable in me, nor of advantage to the young woman herself, for her to be turned to ridicule, but rather I ought to return her to her relations just as I received her."

PHILOTIS

You tell me of a conscientious and virtuous disposition in Pamphilus.

PARMENO

"For me to declare this, I consider to be inconvenient to me, but for her to be sent back to her father without mentioning any blame, would be insolent; but I am in hopes that she, when she is sensible that she can not live with me, will go at last of her own accord."

PHILOTIS

What did he do in the mean while ? Used he to visit Bacchis?

PARMENO

Every day. But as usually is the case, after she saw that he belonged to another, she immediately became more ill-natured and more peevish.

PHILOTIS

I' faith, that's not to be wondered at.

PARMENO

And this circumstance in especial contributed to estrange him from her; after he had fairly examined himself, and her, and the one that was at home, he formed a judgment, by comparison, upon the principles of them both. She, just as might be expected from a person of respectable and free birth, chaste and virtuous, patient under the slights and all the insults of her husband, and concealing his affronts. Upon this, his mind, partly overcome by compassion for his wife, partly constrained by the insolence of the other, was gradually estranged from Bacchis, and transferred its affections to the other, after having found a congenial disposition. In the mean time, there dies at Imbros Imbros: An island in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Thrace. an old man, a relative of theirs. His property there devolved on them by law. Thither his father drove the love-sick Pamphilus, much against his will. He left his wife here with his mother, for the old man has retired into the country; he seldom comes into the city.

PHILOTIS

What is there yet in this marriage to prevent its being lasting ?

PARMENO

You shall hear just now. At first, for several days, there really was a good understanding between them. In the mean time, however, in a strange way, she began to take a dislike to Sostrata; nor yet was there ever any quarrel or words between them.

PHILOTIS

What then ?

PARMENO

If at any time she came to converse with her, she would instantly withdraw from her presence, From her presence: For the purpose, as will afterward appear, of not letting Sostrata see that she was pregnant. and refuse to see her; in fine, when she could no longer endure her, she pretended that she was sent for by her mother to assist at a sacrifice. When she had been there a few days, Sostrata ordered her to be fetched. She made some, I know not what, excuse. Again she gave similar orders; no one sent back any excuse. After she had sent for her repeatedly, they pretended that the damsel was sick. My mistress immediately went to see her; no one admitted her. On the old man coming to know of this, he yesterday came up from the country on purpose, and waited immediately upon the father of Philumena. What passed between them, I do not know as yet; but really I do feel some anxiety in what way this is to end. You now have the whole matter; and I shall proceed whither I was on my way.

PHILOTIS

And I too, for I made an appointment with a certain stranger With a certain stranger: Here Philotis gives a reason, as Donatus observes, why she does not again appear in the Play. The following is an extract from Colman's remarks on this passage: "It were to be wished, for the sake of the credit of our author's acknowledged art in the Drama, that Philotis had assigned as good a reason for her appearing at all. Eugraphius justly says: 'The Courtesan in this Scene is a character quite foreign to the fable.' Donatus also says much the same thing in his Preface, and in his first Note to this Comedy; but adds that 'Terence chose this method rather. than to relate the argument by means of a Prologue, or to introduce a God speaking from a machine. I will venture to say that the Poet might have taken a much shorter and easier method than either; I mean, to have begun the Play with the very Scene which now opens the Second Act.'" to meet him.

PARMENO

May the Gods prosper what you undertake!

PHILOTIS

Farewell!

PARMENO

And a kind farewell to you, my dear Philotis. (Exeunt severally.)

Enter LACHES and SOSTRATA, from the house of the former.LACHES

O faith of Gods and men! what a race is this! what a conspiracy this! that all women should desire and reject every individual thing alike! And not a single one can you find to swerve in any respect from the disposition of the rest. For instance, quite as though with one accord, do all mothers-in-law hate their daughters-in-law. Just in the same way is it their system to oppose their husbands; their obstinacy here is the same. In the very same school they all seem to me to have been trained up to perverseness. Of that school, if there is any mistress, I am very sure that she pointing at SOSTRATA it is.

SOSTRATA

Wretched me! when now I don't so much as know why I am accused!

LACHES

Eh ! you don't know ?

SOSTRATA

So may the Gods kindly prosper me, Laches, and so may it be allowed us to pass our lives together in unity!

LACHES

aside. May the Gods avert such a misfortune!

SOSTRATA

I'm sure that before long you will be sensible that I have been accused by you undeservedly.

LACHES

You, undeservedly ? Can any thing possibly be said that you deserve in return for this conduct of yours? You, who are disgracing both me and yourself and the family, and are laying up sorrow for your Son. Then besides, you are making our connections become, from friends, enemies to us, who have thought him deserving for them to intrust their children Intrust their children: The plural "liberos," children, is used where only one is being spoken of, similarly, in the Heautontimorumenos, 1. 151. to him. You alone have put yourself forward, by your folly, to be causing this disturbance.

SOSTRATA

What, I ?

LACHES

You, woman, I say, who take me to be a stone, not a man. Do you think because it's my habit to be so much in the country, that I don't know in what way each person is passing his life here ? I know much better what is going on here than there, where I am daily; for this reason, because, just as you act at home, I am spoken of abroad. Some time since, indeed, I heard that Philumena had taken a dislike to you; nor did I the least wonder at it; indeed, if she hadn't done so, it would have been more surprising. But I did not suppose that she would have gone so far as to hate even the whole of the family; if I had known that, she should have remained here in preference, and you should have gone away. But consider how undeservedly these vexations arise on your account, Sostrata; I went to live in the country, in compliance with your request, and to look after my affairs, in order that my circumstances might be able to support your lavishness and comforts, not sparing my own exertions, beyond what's reasonable and my time of life allows. That you should take no care, in return for all this, that there should be nothing to vex me!

SOSTRATA

Upon my word, through no means or fault of mine has this taken place.

LACHES

Nay, through you in especial; you were the only person here; on you alone, Sostrata, falls all the blame. You ought to have taken care of matters here, as I had released you from other anxieties. Is it not a disgrace for an old woman to pick a quarrel with a girl? You will say it was her fault.

SOSTRATA

Indeed I do not say so, my dear Laches.

LACHES

I am glad of that, so may the Gods prosper me, for my son's sake. I am quite sure of this, that no fault of yours can possibly put you in a worse light.

SOSTRATA

How do you know, my husband, whether she may not have pretended to dislike me, on purpose that she might be more with her mother?

LACHES

What say you to this? Is it not proof sufficient, when yesterday no one was willing to admit you into the house, when you went to see her?

SOSTRATA

Why, they told me that she was very ill just then; for that reason I was not admitted to her.

LACHES

I fancy that your humors are more her malady than any thing else; and with good reason in fact, for there is not one of you but wants her son to take a wife; and the match which has taken your fancy must be the one; when, at your solicitation, they have married, then, at your solicitation, they are to put them away again.

Enter PHIDIPPUS from his house.PHIDIPPUS

speaking to PHILUMENA within. Although I am aware, Philumena, that I have the right to compel you to do what I order, still, being swayed by the feelings of a father, I will prevail upon myself to yield to you, and not oppose your inclination.

LACHES

And look, most opportunely I see Phidippus; I'll presently know from him how it is. Accosting him. Phidippus, although I am aware that I am particularly indulgent to all my family, still it is not to that degree to let my good nature corrupt their minds. And if you would do the same, it would be more for your own interest and ours. At present I see that you are under the control of those women.

PHIDIPPUS

Just look at that, now !

LACHES

I waited on you yesterday about your daughter; you sent me away just as wise as I came. It does not become you, if you wish this alliance to continue, to conceal your resentment. If there is any fault on our side, disclose it; either by clearing ourselves, or excusing it, we shall remedy these matters for you, yourself the judge. But if this is the cause of detaining her at your house, because she is ill, then I think that you do me an injustice, Phidippus, if you are afraid lest she should not be attended with sufficient care at my house. But, so may the Gods prosper me, I do not yield in this to you, although you are her father, that you can wish her well more than I do, and that on my son's account, who I know values her not less than his own self. Nor, in fact, is it unknown to you, how much, as I believe, it will vex him, if he comes to know If he comes to know: Donatus observes that the Poet shows his art in here preparing a reason to be assigned by Pamphilus for his pretended discontent at the departure of his wife. of this; for this reason, I wish to have her home before he returns.

PHIDIPPUS

Laches, I am sensible of both your carefulness and your good-will, and I am persuaded that all you say is just as you say: and I would have you believe me in this; I am anxious for her to return to you, if I possibly can by any means effect it.

LACHES

What is it prevents you from effecting it? Come, now, does she make any complaint against her husband?

PHIDIPPUS

By no means; for when I urged it still more strongly, and attempted to constrain her by force to return, she solemnly protested that she couldn't possibly remain with you, while Pamphilus was absent. Probably each has his own failing; I am naturally of an indulgent disposition; I can not thwart. my own family.

LACHES

turning to his wife, who stands apart. Ha! Sostrata! Ha! Sostrata: Colman observes on this passage: "This is extremely artful. The answer of Philumena, as related by Phidippus, contains an ample vindication of Pamphilus. What, then, can we suppose could make the house so disagreeable to her in his absence, but the behavior of Sostrata? She declares her innocence; yet appearances are all against her. Supposing this to be the first Act of the Play, it would be impossible for a Comedy to open in a more interesting manner."

SOSTRATA

sighing deeply. Alas! wretched me!

LACHES

to PHIDIPPUS. Is this your final determination ?

PHIDIPPUS

For the present, at least, as it seems; but have you any thing else to say? for I have some business that obliges me to go at once to the Forum.

LACHES

I'll go with you. (Exeunt.)

SOSTRATA alone.SOSTRATA

Upon my faith, we assuredly are all of us hated by our husbands with equal injustice, on account of a few, who cause us all to appear deserving of harsh treatment. For, so may. the Gods prosper me, as to what my husband accuses me of, I am quite guiltless. But it is not so easy to clear myself, so strongly have people come to the conclusion that all step-mothers are harsh: i' faith, not I, indeed, for I never regarded her otherwise than if she had been my own daughter; nor can I conceive how this has befallen me. But really, for many reasons, I long for. my son's return home with impatience. Goes into her house.

Enter PAMPHILUS and PARMENO.PAMPHILUS

No individual, I do believe, ever met with more crosses in love than I. Alas! unhappy me! that I have thus been sparing of life! Was it for this I was so very impatient to return home ? O, how much more preferable had it been for me to pass my life any where in the world than to return here and be sensible that I am thus wretched! For all of us know who have met with trouble from any cause, that all the time that passes before we come to the knowledge of it, is so much gain.

PARMENO

Still, as it is, you'll the sooner know how to extricate yourself from these misfortunes. If you had not returned, this breach might have become much wider; but now, Pamphilus, I am sure that both will be awed by your presence. You will learn the facts, remove their enmity, restore them to good feeling once again. These are but trifles which you have persuaded yourself are so grievous.

PAMPHILUS

Why comfort me? Is there a person in all the world so wretched as I? Before I took her to wife, I had my heart engaged by other affections. Now, though on this subject I should be silent, it is easy for any one to know how much I have suffered; yet I never dared refuse her whom my father forced upon me. With difficulty did I withdraw myself from another, and disengage my affections so firmly rooted there! and hardly had I fixed them in another quarter, when, lo! a new misfortune has arisen, which may tear me from her too. Then besides, I suppose that in this matter I shall find either my mother or my wife in fault; and when I find such to be the fact, what remains but to become still more wretched? For duty, Parmeno, bids me bear with the feelings of a mother; then, to my wife I am bound by obligations; with so much temper did she formerly bear my usage, and on no occasion disclose the many wrongs inflicted on her by me. But, Parmeno, something of consequence, I know not what it is, must have happened for this misunderstanding to have arisen between them, that has lasted so long.

PARMENO

Or else something frivolous, i' faith, if you would only give words their proper value; those which are sometimes the greatest enmities, do not argue the greatest injuries; for it often happens that in certain circumstances, in which another would not even be out of temper, for the very same reason a passionate man becomes your greatest enemy. What enmities do children entertain among themselves for trifling injuries! For what reason? Why, because they have a weak understanding to direct them. Just so are these women, almost like children with their fickle feelings; perhaps a single word has occasioned this enmity between them, master.

PAMPHILUS

Go, Parmeno, into the house, and carry word And carry word: It was the custom with the Greeks and Romans, when returning from abroad, to send a messenger before them, to inform their wives of their arrival. See for example Cicero's last letter to his wife, 47 BC. that I have arrived. A noise is heard in the house of PHIDIPPUS.

PARMENO

starting. Ha! What means this?

PAMPHILUS

Be silent. I perceive a bustling about, and a running to and fro.

PARMENO

going to the door. Come then, I'll approach nearer to the door. He listens. Ha! did you hear?

PAMPHILUS

Don't be prating. He listens. O Jupiter, I heard a shriek!

PARMENO

You yourself are talking, while you forbid me.

MYRRHINA

within the house. Prithee, my child, do be silent.

PAMPHILUS

That seems to be the voice of Philumena's mother. I'm undone

PARMENO

Why so?

PAMPHILUS

Utterly ruined!

PARMENO

For what reason?

PAMPHILUS

Parmeno, you are concealing from me some great misfortune to me unknown.

PARMENO

They said that your wife, Philumena, was in alarm about Was in alarm about: "Pavitare." Casaubon has a curious suggestion here; he thinks it not improbable that he had heard the female servants whispering among themselves that Philumena "paritare," "was about to be brought to bed," which he took for "pavitare," "was in fear" of something. something, I know not what; whether that may be it, perchance, I don't know.

PAMPHILUS

I am undone! Why didn't you tell me of this?

PARMENO

Because I couldn't tell every thing at once.

PAMPHILUS

What is the malady?

PARMENO

I don't know.

PAMPHILUS

What! has no one brought a physician to see her?

PARMENO

I don't know.

PAMPHILUS

Why delay going in-doors, that I may know as soon as possible for certain what it is? In what condition, Philumena, am I now to find you? But if you are in any peril, beyond a doubt I will perish with you. Goes into the house of PHIDIPPUS.

PARMENO

to himself. There is no need for me to follow him into the house at present, for I see that we are all disagreeable to them. Yesterday, no one would give Sostrata admittance. If, perchance, the malady should become worse, which really I could far from wish, for my master's sake especially, they would at once say that Sostrata's servant had been in there; they would invent a story that I had brought some mischief against their lives and persons, in consequence of which the malady had been increased. My mistress would be blamed, and I should incur heavy punishment. Heavy punishment: Probably meaning that he will be examined by torture, whether he has not, by drugs or other means, contributed to Philumena's illness.

Enter SOSTRATA.SOSTRATA

to herself. In dreadful alarm, I have for some time heard, I know not what confusion going on here; I'm sadly afraid Philumena's illness is getting worse. Aesculapius, I do entreat thee, and thee, Health, And thee, Health: She invokes Aesculapius, the God of Medicine, and "Salus," or "Health," because, in Greece, their statues were always placed near each other; so that to have offered prayers to one and not to the other, would have been deemed a high indignity. On the worship of Aesculapius, see the opening Scene of the Curculio of Plautus. that it may not be so. Now I'll go visit her. Approaches the door.

PARMENO

coming forward. Hark you, Sostrata.

SOSTRATA

turning round. Well.

PARMENO

You will again be shut out there.

SOSTRATA

What, Parmeno, is it you? I'm undone! wretch that I am, what shall I do? Am I not to go see the wife of Pamphilus, when she is ill here next door?

PARMENO

Not go see her! Don't even send any person for the purpose of seeing her; for I'm of opinion that he who loves, a person to whom he is an object of dislike, commits a double mistake: he himself takes a useless trouble, and causes annoyance to the other. Besides, your son went in to see how she is, as soon as he arrived.

SOSTRATA

What is it you say? Has Pamphilus arrived?

PARMENO

He has.

SOSTRATA

I give thanks unto the Gods! Well, through that news my spirits are revived, and anxiety has departed from my heart.

PARMENO

For this reason, then, I am especially unwilling you should go in there; for if Philumena's malady at all abates, she will, I am sure, when they are by themselves, at once tell him all the circumstances; both what misunderstandings have arisen between you, and how the difference first began. But see, he's coming out-how sad he looks! Re-enter PAMPHILUS, from the house of PHIDIPPUS.

SOSTRATA

running up to him. O my son! Embraces him.

PAMPHILUS

My mother, blessings on you.

SOSTRATA

I rejoice that you are returned safe. Is Philumena in a fair way?

PAMPHILUS

She is a little better. Weeping.

SOSTRATA

Would that the Gods may grant it so! Why, then, do you weep, or why so dejected?

PAMPHILUS

All's well, mother.

SOSTRATA

What meant that confusion? Tell me; was she suddenly taken ill?

PAMPHILUS

Such was the fact.

SOSTRATA

What is her malady?

PAMPHILUS

A fever.

SOSTRATA

An intermitting one? An intermitting one: "Quotidiana," literally, "daily."

PAMPHILUS

So they say. Go in the house, please, mother; I'll follow you immediately.

SOSTRATA

Very well. Goes into her house.

PAMPHILUS

Do you run and meet the servants, Parmeno, and help them with the baggage.

PARMENO

Why, don't they know the way themselves to come to our house?

PAMPHILUS

stamping. Do you loiter? (Exit PARMENO.)

PAMPHILUS, alone.PAMPHILUS

I can not discover any fitting commencement of my troubles, at which to begin to narrate the things that have so unexpectedly befallen me, some of which with these eyes I have beheld; some I have heard with my ears; and on account of which I so hastily betook myself, in extreme agitation, out of doors. For just now, when, full of alarm, I rushed into the house, expecting to find my wife afflicted with some other malady than what I have found it to be—ah me! immediately the servant-maids beheld that I had arrived, they all at the same moment joyfully exclaimed, "He is come," from having so suddenly caught sight of me. But I soon perceived the countenances of all of them change, All of them change: This must have been imaginary, as they were not likely to be acquainted with the reason of Philumena's apprehensions. because at so unseasonable a juncture chance had brought me there. One of them in the mean time hastily ran before me to give notice that I had come. Impatient to see my wife, I followed close. When I entered the room, that instant, to my sorrow, I found out her malady; for neither did the time afford any. interval to enable her to conceal it, nor could she complain in any other accents than those which the case itself prompted. When I perceived this: "O disgraceful conduct!" I exclaimed, and instantly hurried away from the spot in tears, overwhelmed by such an incredible and shocking circumstance. Her mother followed me; just as I got to the threshold, she threw herself on her knees: I felt compassion for her. Assuredly it is the fact, in my opinion, just as matters befall us all, so are we elated or depressed. At once she began to address me in these words: "O my dear Pamphilus, you see the reason why she left your house; for violence was offered to her when formerly a maid, by some villain to us unknown. Now, she took refuge here then, that from you and others she might conceal her labor." But when I call to mind her entreaties, I can not, wretched as I am, refrain from tears. "Whatever chance or fortune it is," said she, "which has brought you here to-day, by it we do both conjure you, if with equity and justice we may, that her misfortune may be concealed by you, and kept a secret from all. If ever you were sensible, my dear Pamphilus, that she was tenderly disposed toward you, she now asks you to grant her this favor in return, without making any difficulty of it. But as to taking her back, act quite according to your own convenience. You alone are aware of her. lying-in, and that the child is none of yours. For it is said that it was two months after the marriage before she had commerce with you. And then, this is but the seventh month since she came to you. Since she came to you: There is great doubt what is the exact meaning of "postquam ad te venit," here, whether it means, "it is now the seventh month since she became your wife," or, "it is now the seventh month since she came to your embraces," which did not happen for two months after the marriage. The former is, under the circumstances, the most probable construction. That you are sensible of this, the circumstances themselves prove. Now, if it is possible, Pamphilus, I especially wish, and will use my endeavors, that her labor may remain unknown to her father, and to all, in fact. But if that can not be managed, and they do find it out, I will say that she miscarried; I am sure no one will suspect otherwise than, what is so likely, the child was by you. It shall be instantly exposed; in that case there is no inconvenience whatever to yourself, and you will be concealing an outrage so undeservingly committed upon her, Committed upon her: Colman very justly observes here: "It is rather extraordinary that Myrrhina's account of the injury done to her daughter should not put Pamphilus in mind of his own adventure, which comes out in the Fifth Act. It is certain that had the Poet let the Audience into that secret in this place, they would have immediately concluded that the wife of Pamphilus and the lady whom he had ravished were one and the same person." Playwrights have never, in any age or country, troubled themselves much about probability in their plots. Besides, his adventure with Philumena was by no means an uncommon one. We find similar instances mentioned by Plautus; and violence and debauchery seem almost to have reigned paramount in the streets at night. poor thing!" I promised this, and I am resolved to keep faith in what I said. But as to taking her back, really I do not think that would be at all creditable, nor will I do so, although love for her, and habit, have a strong influence upon me. I weep when it occurs to my mind, what must be her life, and how great her loneliness in future. O Fortune, thou hast never been found constant! But by this time my former passion has taught me experience in the present case. The means by which I got rid of that, I must employ on the present occasion. Parmeno is coming with the servants; it is far from convenient that he should be here under present circumstances, for he was the only person to whom I trusted the secret that I kept aloof from her when I first married her. I am afraid lest, if he should frequently hear her cries, he might find out that she is in labor. He must be dispatched by me somewhere till Philumena is delivered.

Enter at a distance PARMENO and SOSIA, with people carrying baggage.PARMENO

to SOSIA. Do you say that this voyage was disagreeable to you?

SOSIA

Upon my faith, Parmeno, it can not be so much as expressed in words, how disagreeable it is to go on a voyage.

PARMENO

Do you say so?

SOSIA

O lucky man! You don't know what evils you have escaped, by never having been at sea. For to say nothing of other hardships, mark this one only; thirty days or more Thirty days or more: In his voyage from Imbros to Athens, namely, which certainly appears to have been unusually long. was I on board that ship, and every moment, to my horror, was in continual expectation of death: such unfavorable weather did we always meet with.

PARMENO

How annoying!.

SOSIA

That's not unknown to me: in fine, upon my faith, I would rather run away than go back, if I knew that I should have to go back there.

PARMENO

Why really, but slight causes formerly made you, Sosia, do what now you are threatening to do. But I see Pamphilus himself standing before the door. To the Attendants, who go into the house of LACHES. Go in-doors; I'll accost him, to see if he wants any thing with me. Accosts PAMPHILUS. What, still standing here, master?

PAMPHILUS

Yes, and waiting for you.

PARMENO

What's the matter?

PAMPHILUS

You must run across to the citadel. To the citadel: This was the fort or citadel that defended the Piraeus, and being three miles distant from the city, was better suited for the design of Pamphilus, whose object it was to keep Parmeno for some time at a distance.

PARMENO

Who must?

PAMPHILUS

You.

PARMENO

To the citadel? Why thither?

PAMPHILUS

To meet Callidemides, my entertainer at Myconos, who came over in the same ship with me.

PARMENO

aside. Confusion! I should say he has made a vow that if ever he should return home safe, he would rupture me He would rupture me: He facetiously pretends to think that Pamphilus may, during a storm at sea, have vowed to walk him to death, if he should return home. with walking.

PAMPHILUS

Why are you lingering?

PARMENO

What do you wish me to say? Or am I to meet him only?

PAMPHILUS

No; say that I can not meet him to-day, as I appointed, so that he may not wait for me to no purpose. Fly!

PARMENO

But I don't know the man's appearance.

PAMPHILUS

Then I'll tell you how to know it; a huge fellow, ruddy, with curly hair, fat, with gray eyes and freckled countenance.

PARMENO

May the Gods confound him! What if he shouldn't come? Am I to wait there, even till the evening?

PAMPHILUS

Yes, wait there. Run!

PARMENO

I can't; I am so tired. (Exit slowly.)

PAMPHILUS

He's off. What shall I do in this distressed situation? Really, I don't know in what way I'm to conceal this, as Myrrhina entreated me, her daughter's lying-in; but I do pity the woman. What I can, I'll do; only so long, however, as I observe my duty; for it is proper that I should be regardful of a parent, Regardful of a parent: Colman observes here: "This reflection seems to be rather improper in this place, for the discovery of Philumena's labor betrayed to Pamphilus the real motive of her departure; after which discovery his anxiety proceeds entirely from the supposed injury offered him, and his filial piety is from that period made use of merely as a pretense." rather than of my passion. But look—I see Phidippus and my father. They are coming this way; what to say to them, I'm at a loss. Stands apart.

Enter, at a distance, LACHES and PHIDIPPUS.LACHES

Did you not say, just now, that she was waiting for my son's return?

PHIDIPPUS

Just so.

LACHES

They say that he has arrived; let her return.

PAMPHILUS

apart to himself aloud. What excuse to make to my father for not taking her back, I don't know!

LACHES

turning round. Who was it I heard speaking here?

PAMPHILUS

apart. I am resolved to persevere in the course I determined to pursue.

LACHES

'Tis the very person about whom I was talking to you.

PAMPHILUS

Health to you, my father.

LACHES

Health to you, my son.

PHIDIPPUS

I am glad that you have returned, Pamphilus, and the more especially so, as you are safe and well.

PAMPHILUS

I believe you.

LACHES

Have you but just arrived?

PAMPHILUS

Only just now.

LACHES

Tell me, what has our cousin Phania left us?

PAMPHILUS

Why really, i' faith, he was a man very much devoted to pleasure while he lived; and those who are so, don't much benefit their heirs, but for themselves leave this commendation: While he lived, he lived well. He lived well: This is living well in the sense used by the "Friar of orders gray." "Who leads a good life is sure to live well."

LACHES

So then, you have brought home nothing more Brought home nothing more: Colman remarks that this passage is taken notice of by Donatus as a particularly happy stroke of character; and indeed the idea of a covetous old man gaping for a fat legacy, and having his mouth stopped by a moral precept, is truly comic. than a single sentiment?

PAMPHILUS

Whatever he has left, we are the gainers by it.

LACHES

Why no, it has proved a loss; for I could have wished him alive and well.

PHIDIPPUS

You may wish that with impunity; he'll never come to life again; and after all I know which of the two you would prefer.

LACHES

Yesterday, he pointing to PHIDIPPUS desired Philumena to be fetched to his house. Whispers to PHIDIPPUS, nudging him with his elbow. Say that you desired it.

PHIDIPPUS

aside to LACHES Don't punch me so. To PAMPHILUS. I desired it.

LACHES

But he'll now send her home again.

PHIDIPPUS

Of course.

PAMPHILUS

I know the whole affair, and how it happened; I heard it just now, on my arrival.

LACHES

Then may the Gods confound those spiteful people who told this news with such readiness!

PAMPHILUS

to PHIDIPPUS. I am sure that it has been my study, that with reason no slight might possibly be committed by your family; and if I were now truthful to mention of how faithful, loving, and tender a disposition I have proved toward her, I could do so truly, did I not rather wish that you should learn it of herself; for by that method you will be the more ready to place confidence in my disposition when she, who is now acting unjustly toward me, speaks favorably of me. And that through no fault of mine this separation has taken place, I call the Gods to witness. But since she considers that it is not befitting her to give way to my mother, and with readiness to conform to her temper, and as on no other terms it is possible for good feeling to exist between them, either my mother must be separated, Phidippus, from me, or else Philumena. Now affection urges me rather to consult my mother's pleasure.

LACHES

Pamphilus, your words have reached my ears not otherwise than to my satisfaction, since I find that you post-pone all considerations for your parent. But take care, Pamphilus, lest impelled by resentment, you carry matters too far.

PAMPHILUS

How, impelled by resentment, could, I now be biased against her who never has been guilty of any thing toward me, father, that I could not wish, and who has often deserved as well as I could desire? I both love and praise and exceedingly regret her, for I have found by experience that she was of a wondrously engaging disposition with regard to myself; and I sincerely wish that she may spend the remainder of her life with a husband who may prove more fortunate than me, since necessity thus tears her from me.

PHIDIPPUS

'Tis in your own power to prevent that.

LACHES

If you are in your senses, order her to come back.

PAMPHILUS

It is not my intention, father; I shall study my mother's interests. Going away.

LACHES

Whither are you going? Stay, stay, I tell you; whither are you going? (Exit PAMPHILUS.)

PHIDIPPUS

What obstinacy is this?

LACHES

Did I not tell you, Phidippus, that he would take this matter amiss? It was for that reason I entreated you to send your daughter back.

PHIDIPPUS

Upon my faith, I did not believe he would be so brutish; does he now fancy that I shall come begging to him? If so it is that he chooses to take back his wife, why, let him; if he is of another mind, let him pay back her portion, Pay back her portion: As was universally done on a separation by agreement. and take himself off.

LACHES

Just look at that, now; you too are getting obstinate and huffish.

PHIDIPPUS

speaking with anger. You have returned to us in a very ungovernable mood, Pamphilus.

LACHES

This anger will depart; although he has some reason for being vexed.

PHIDIPPUS

Because you have had a windfall, a little money, your minds are elevated.

LACHES

Are you going to fall out with me, too?

PHIDIPPUS

Let him consider, and bring me word to-day, whether he will or will not, that she may belong to another if she does not to him. Goes hastily into his own house.

LACHES

Phidippus, stay; listen to a few words—

LACHES

He's off; what matters it to me? In fine, let them manage it between themselves,just as they please; since neither my son nor he pay any regard to me; they care but little for what I say. I'll carry the quarrel to my wife, by whose planning all these things have been brought about, and against her I will vent all the vexation that I feel.

Enter MYRRHINA, from her house.MYRRHINA

I am undone! What am I to do? which way turn myself? In my wretchedness, what answer am I to give to my husband? For he seems to have heard the voice of the child when crying, so suddenly did he rush in to my daughter without saying a word. What if he comes to know that she has been delivered? for what reason I am to say I kept it concealed, upon my faith I do not know. But there's a noise at the door; I believe it is himself coming out to me: I'm utterly undone! Enter PHIDIPPUS, from the house.

PHIDIPPUS

to himself. My wife, when she saw me going to my daughter, betook herself out of the house: and look, there she is. Addressing her. What have you to say, Myrrhina? Hark you! to you I speak.

MYRRHINA

What, to me, my husband?

PHIDIPPUS

Am I your husband? Do you consider me a husband, or a man, in fact? For, woman, if I had ever appeared to you to be either of these, I should not in this way have been held in derision by your doings.

MYRRHINA

By what doings?

PHIDIPPUS

Do you ask the question? Is not your daughter brought to bed? Eh, are you silent? By whom?

MYRRHINA

Is it proper for a father to be asking such a question? Oh, shocking! By whom do you think, pray, except by him to whom she was given in marriage?

PHIDIPPUS

I believe it; nor indeed is it for a father to think otherwise. But I wonder much what the reason can be for which you so very much wish all of us to be in ignorance of the truth, especially when she has been delivered properly, and at the right time. At the right time: Lemaire observes that, from this passage, it would appear that the Greeks considered seven months sufficient for gestation. So it would appear, if we are to take the time of the Play to be seven, and not nine, months after the marriage; and, as before observed, the former seems to be the more reasonable conclusion. That you should be of a mind so perverse as to prefer that the child should perish, through which you might be sure that hereafter there would be a friendship more lasting between us, rather than that, at the expense of your feelings, his wife should continue with him! I supposed this to be their fault, while in reality it lies with you.

MYRRHINA

I am an unhappy creature!

PHIDIPPUS

I wish I were sure that so it was; but now it recurs to my mind what you once said about this matter, when we accepted him as our son-in-law. For you declared that you could not endure your daughter to be married to a person who was attached to a courtesan, and who spent his nights away from home.

MYRRHINA

aside. Any cause whatever I had rather he should suspect than the right one.

PHIDIPPUS

I knew much sooner than you did, Myrrhina, that he kept a mistress; but this I never considered a crime in young men; for it is natural to them all. For, i' faith, the time will soon come when even he will be disgusted with himself for doing so. But just as you formerly showed yourself, you have never. ceased to be the same up to the present time; in order that you might withdraw your daughter from him, and that what I did might not hold good, one thing itself now plainly proves how far you wished it carried out.

MYRRHINA

Do you suppose that I am so willful that I could have entertained such feelings toward one whose mother I am, if this match had been to our advantage?

PHIDIPPUS

Can you possibly foresee or judge what is to our advantage? You have heard it of some one, perhaps, who has told you that he has seen him coming from or going to his mistress. What then? If he has done so with discretion, and but occasionally, is it not more kind in us to conceal our knowledge of it, than to do our. best to be aware of it, in consequence of which he will detest us? For if he could all at once have withdrawn himself from her with whom he had been intimate for so many years, I should not have deemed him a man, or likely to prove a constant husband for our daughter.

MYRRHINA

Do have done about the young man, I pray; and what you say I've been guilty of. Go away, meet him by yourself; ask him whether he wishes to have her as a wife or not; if so it is that he should say he does wish it, why, send her back; but if on the other hand he does not wish it, I have taken the best course for my child.

PHIDIPPUS

And suppose he does not wish it, and you, Myrrhina, knew him to be in fault; still I was at hand, by whose advice it was proper for these matters to be settled; therefore I am greatly offended that you have presumed to act thus without my leave. I forbid you to attempt to carry the child any where out of this house. But I am very foolish to be expecting her to obey my orders. I'll go in-doors, and charge the servants to allow it to be carried out nowhere. Goes into the house.

MYRRHINA

Upon my faith, I do believe that there is no woman living more wretched than I; for how he would take it, if he came to know the real state of the case, i' faith, is not unknown to me, when he bears this, which is of less consequence, with such angry feelings; and I know not in what way his sentiments can possibly be changed. Out of very many misfortunes, this one evil alone had been wanting to me, for him to compel me to rear a child of whom we know not who is the father; for when my daughter was ravished, it was so dark that his person could not be distinguished, nor was any thing taken from him on the occasion by which it could be afterward discovered who he was. He, on leaving her, took away from the girl, by force, a ring which A ring which: Colman remarks that this preparation for the catastrophe by the mention of the ring, is not so artful as might have been expected from Terence; as in this soliloquy he tells the circumstances directly to the Audience. she had upon her finger. I am afraid, too, of Pamphilus, that he may be unable any longer to conceal what I have requested, when he learns that the child of another is being brought up as his. Goes into the house.

Enter SOSTRATA and PAMPHILUS.SOSTRATA

It is not unknown to me, my son, that I am suspected by you as the cause of your wife having left our house in consequence of my conduct; although you carefully conceal your knowledge of it. But so may the Gods prosper me, and so may you answer all my hopes, I have never knowingly deserved that hatred of me should with reason possess her; and while I thought before that you loved me, on that point you have confirmed my belief: for in-doors your father has just now related to me in what way you have preferred me to your passion. Now it is my determination to return you the favor, that you may understand that with me lies the reward of your affection. My Pamphilus, I think that this is expedient both for yourselves and my own reputation. I have finally resolved to retire hence into the country with your father, that my presence may not be an obstacle, and that no pretense may remain why your Philumena should not return to you.

PAMPHILUS

Pray, what sort of resolution is this? Driven away by her folly, would you be removing from the city to live in the country? You shall not do so; and I will not permit, mother, any one who may wish to censure us, to say that this has been done through my perverseness, and not your inclination. Besides, I do not wish you, for my sake, to forego your friends and relations, and festive days. And festive days: "Festos dies." The days for sacrificing to particular Divinities, when she would have the opportunity of meeting her friends, and making herself merry with them.

SOSTRATA

Upon my word, these things afford me no pleasure now. While my time of life permitted it, I enjoyed them enough; satiety of that mode of life has now taken possession of me: this is at present my chief concern, that the length of my life may prove an annoyance to no one, or that he may look forward with impatience to my death. Look forward with impatience to my death: Colman says: "This idea of the long life of a step-mother being odious to her family, is applied in a very beautiful and uncommon manner by Shakspeare: Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hourDraws on apace; for happy days bring inAnother morn; but oh, methinks how slowThis old morn wanes! she lingers my desiresLike to a step-dame, or a dowager,Long withering out a young man's revenue."Midsummer Night's Dream. Here I see that, without deserving it, I am disliked; it is time for me to retire. Thus, in the best way, I imagine, I shall cut short all grounds of discontent with all; I shall both free myself from suspicion, and shall be pleasing them. Pray, let me avoid this reproach, which so generally attaches on women to their disadvantage.

PAMPHILUS

aside. How happy am I in other respects, were it not for this one thing alone, in having such a good mother, and her for my wife!

SOSTRATA

Pray, my Pamphilus, can you not, seeing how each woman is, prevail upon yourself to put up with one matter of inconvenience? If every thing else is according to your wish, and such as I take it to be-my son, do grant me this indulgence, and take her back.

PAMPHILUS

Alas! wretched me!

SOSTRATA

And me as well; for this affair does not cause me less sorrow than you, my son.

Enter LACHES.LACHES

While standing just by here, I have heard, wife, the conversation you have been holding with him. It is true wisdom to be enabled to govern the feelings whenever there is necessity; to do at the present moment what may perhaps, in the end, be necessary to be done.

SOSTRATA

Good luck to it, i' troth.

LACHES

Retire then into the country; there I will bear with you, and you with me.

SOSTRATA

I hope so, i' faith.

LACHES

Go in-doors then, and get together the things that are to be taken with you. I have now said it.

SOSTRATA

I'll do as you desire. Goes into the house.

PAMPHILUS

Father!

LACHES

What do you want, Pamphilus?

PAMPHILUS

My mother go away? By no means.

LACHES

Why would you have it so?

PAMPHILUS

Because I am as yet undetermined what I shall do about my wife.

LACHES

How is that? What should you intend to do but bring her home?

PAMPHILUS

For my part, I could like, and can hardly forbear it; but I shall not alter my design; that which is most advantageous I shall pursue; I suppose ironically that they will be better reconciled, in consequence, if I shall take her back.

LACHES

You can not tell. But it matters nothing to you which they do when she has gone away. Persons of this age are disliked by young people; it is right for us to withdraw from the world; in fine, we are now a nice by-word. We are, Pamphilus, "the old man and the old woman."' The old man and the old woman: "Senex atque anus." In these words he probably refers to the commencement of many of the stories current in those times, which began: "There were once upon a time an old man and an-old woman." Indeed, almost the same words occur in the Stichus of Plautus, 1. 540, at the commencement of a story: "Fuit olim, quasi ego sum, senex," "There was upon a time an old man, just like me." But I see Phidippus coming out just at the time; let's accost him.

Enter PHIDIPPUS, from his house.PHIDIPPUS

. speaking at the door to PHILUMENA, within. Upon my faith, I am angry with you too, Philumena, extremely so, for, on my word, you have acted badly; still there is an excuse for you in this matter; your mother forced you to it; but for her there is none.

LACHES

accosting him. Phidippus, you meet me at a lucky moment, just at the very time.

PHIDIPPUS

What's the matter?

PAMPHILUS

aside. What answer shall I make them, or in what manner keep this secret?

LACHES

(to PHIDIPPUS.) Tell your daughter that Sostrata is going into the country, that the may not now be afraid of returning home.

PHIDIPPUS

Alas! your wife has been guilty of no fault in this affair; all this mischief has originated in my wife Myrrhina.

PAMPHILUS

aside. They are changing sides.

PHIDIPPUS

'Tis she that causes our disturbances, Laches.

PAMPHILUS

aside. So long as I don't take her back, let her cause as much disturbance as she pleases.

PHIDIPPUS

I, Pamphilus, could really wish, if it were possible, this alliance between us to be lasting; but if you are otherwise inclined, still take the child. Still take the child: In cases of separation it was customary for the father to have the care of the male children.

PAMPHILUS

aside. He has discovered that she has been brought to bed. I'm undone!

LACHES

The child! What child?

PHIDIPPUS

We have had a grandson born to us; for my daughter was removed from you in a state of pregnancy, and yet never before this day did I know that she was pregnant.

LACHES

So may the Gods prosper me, you bring good tidings, and I am glad a child has been born, and that she is safe: but what kind of woman have you for a wife, or of what sort of a temper, that we should have been kept in ignorance of this so long? I can not sufficiently express how disgraceful this conduct appears to me.

PHIDIPPUS

This conduct does not vex me less than yourself, Laches.

PAMPHILUS

aside. Even if it had just now been a matter of doubt to me, it is so no longer, since the child of another man is to accompany her.

LACHES

Pamphilus, there is no room now for deliberation for you in this matter.

PAMPHILUS

. aside. I'm undone!

LACHES

to PAMPHILUS. We were often longing to see the day on which there should be one to call you father; it has come to pass. I return thanks to the Gods.

PAMPHILUS

. aside. I am ruined!

LACHES

Take home your wife, and don't oppose my will.

PAMPHILUS

Father, if she had wished to have children by me, or to continue to be my wife, I am quite certain she would not have concealed from me what I find she has concealed. Now, as I find that her mind is estranged from me, and think that there would be no agreement between us in future, why should I take her back?

LACHES

The young woman has done what her mother persuaded her. Is that to be wondered at? Do you suppose you can find any woman who is free from fault? Or is it that men have no failings?

PHIDIPPUS

Do you yourselves now consider, Laches, and you, Pamphilus, whether it is most advisable for you to leave her or take her back. What your wife may do, is not in my control. Under neither circumstance will you meet with any difficulty from me. But what are we to do with the child?

LACHES

You do ask an absurd question; whatever-happens, send him back his child of course, that we: may bring it up as ours.

PAMPHILUS

. in a low voice. A child which the father has abandoned, am I to rear?.

LACHES

What was it you said? How—not rear it, Pamphilus? Prithee, are we to expose it, in preference? What madness is this? Really, I can not now be silent any longer. For you force me to say in his presence (pointing to PHIDIPPUS what I would rather not. Do you suppose I am in ignorance of the cause of your tears, or what it is on account of which you are perplexed to this degree? In the first place, when you alleged as a reason, that, on account of your mother, you could not have your wife at home, she promised that she would leave the house. Now, since you see this pretext as well taken away from you, because a child has been born without your knowledge, you have got another You are mistaken if you suppose that I am ignorant of your feelings. That at last you might prevail upon your feelings to take this step, how long a period for loving a mistress did I allow you! With what patience did I bear the expense you were at in keeping her! I remonstrated with you and entreated you to take a wife. I said that it was time: by my persuasion you married. What you then did in obedience to me, you did as became you. Now again you have set your fancy upon a mistress, and, to gratify her, you do an injury to the other as well. For I see plainly that you have once more relapsed into the same course of life.

PAMPHILUS

What, I?

LACHES

Your own self, and you act unjustly therein. You feign false grounds for discord, that you may live with her when you have got rid of this witness of your actions; your wife has perceived it too; for what other reason had she for leaving you?

PHIDIPPUS

to himself. It's clear he guesses right; for that must be it.

PAMPHILUS

I will give you my oath that none of these is the reason.

LACHES

Oh take home your wife, or tell me why you should not.

PAMPHILUS

It is not the time at present.

LACHES

Take the child, for surely that is not in fault; I will consider about the mother afterward.

PAMPHILUS

apart. In every way I am wretched, and what to do I know not; with so many troubles is my father now besetting wretched me on every side. I'll go away from here, since I avail but little by my presence. For without my consent, I do not believe that they will bring up the child, especially as on that point my mother-in-law will second me. (Exit speedily.)

LACHES

to PAMPHILUS. Do you run away? What, and give me no distinct answer? To PHIDIPPUS. Does he seem to you to be in his senses? Let him alone. Phidippus, give me the child; I'll bring it up.

PHIDIPPUS

By all means. No wonder if my wife has taken this amiss: women are resentful; they do not easily put up with such things. Hence that anger of hers, for she herself told me of it; I would not mention this to you in his presence, and at first I did not believe her; but now it is true beyond a doubt; for I see that his feelings are altogether averse to marriage.

LACHES

What am I to do, then, Phidippus? What advice do you give?

PHIDIPPUS

What are you to do? I am of opinion that first we ought to go to this mistress of his. Let us use entreaties with her; then let us rebuke her; and at last, let us very seriously threaten her, if she gives him any encouragement in future.

LACHES

I will do as you advise. Turning to an ATTEDANT. Ho, there, boy! run to the house of Bacchis here, our neighbor; desire her, in my name, to come hither. Exit ATTENDANT. And you, I further entreat, to give me your assistance in this affair.

PHIDIPPUS

Well, I have already said, and I now say again to the same effect, Laches, I wish this alliance between us to continue, if by any means it possibly may, which I trust will be the case. But should you like But should you like: Donatus observes that Phidippus utters these words with an air of disinclination to be present at the conference; and, indeed, the characters are well sustained, as it would not become him coolly to discourse with a courtesan, whom he supposes to have alienated Pamphilus from his daughter, although he might very properly advise it, as being likely to conduce to the peace of both families. me to be with you while you meet her?

LACHES

Why yes; but first go and get some one as a nurse for the child. (Exit PHIDIPPUS.)

Enter BACCHIS attended by her WOMEN.BACCHIS

to her WOMEN. It is not for nothing that Laches now desires to speak with me; and, i' faith, I am not very far from mistaken in making a guess what it is he wants me for.

LACHES

to himself. I must take care that I don't, through anger, miss gaining, in this quarter what I otherwise might, and that I don't do any thing which hereafter it would have been better I had not done. I'll accost her. Accosts her. Bacchis, good-morrow to you!

BACCHIS

Good-morrow to you, Laches!

LACHES

Troth, now, Bacchis, I suppose you somewhat wonder what can be my reason for sending the lad to fetch you out of doors.

BACCHIS

Upon my faith, I am even in some anxiety as well, when I reflect what I am, lest the name of my calling should be to my prejudice; for my behavior I can easily defend.

LACHES

If you speak the truth, you will be in no danger, woman, from me, for I am now of that age that it is not meet for me to receive forgiveness for a fault; for that reason do I the more carefully attend to every particular, that I may not act with rashness; for if you now do, or intend to do, that which is proper for deserving women to do, it would be unjust for me, in my ignorance, to offer an injury to you, when undeserving of it.

BACCHIS

On my word, great is the gratitude that I ought to feel toward you for such conduct; for he who, after committing an injury, would excuse himself, would profit me but little. But what is the matter?

LACHES

You admit my son, Pamphilus, to your house.

BACCHIS

Ah!

LACHES

Just let me speak: before he was married to this woman, I tolerated your amour. Stay! I have not yet said to you what I intended. He has now got a wife: look out for another person more to be depended on, while you have time to deliberate; for neither will he be of this mind all his life, nor, i' faith, will you be always of your present age.

BACCHIS

Who is it says this?

LACHES

His mother-in-law.

BACCHIS

What! that I

LACHES

That you do: and she has taken away her daughter; and for that reason, has wished secretly to destroy the child that has been born.

BACCHIS

Did I know any other means whereby I might be enabled to establish my credit with you, more solemn than an oath, I would, Laches, assure you of this, that I have kept Pamphilus at a distance Kept Pamphilus at a distance: Colman observes, how are we to reconcile this with the words of Parmeno at the beginning of the Play, where he says that Pamphilus visited Bacchis daily; and he inquires whether we are to suppose that Bacchis, who behaves so candidly in every other instance, wantonly perjures herself in this, or that the Poet, by a strange infatuation attending him in this Play, contradicts himself? To this it may be answered, that as Bacchis appears to be so scrupulous in other instances, it is credible that, notwithstanding his visits, she may not have allowed him to share her embraces. from me ever since he took a wife.

LACHES

You are very good. But, pray, do you know what I would prefer that you should do?

BACCHIS

What? Tell me.

LACHES

Go in-doors there pointing to the house of PHIDIPPUS to the women, and make the same promise, on oath, to them; satisfy their minds, and clear yourself from this charge.

BACCHIS

I will do so; although, i' faith, if it had been any other woman of this calling, she would not have done so, I am quite sure; present herself before a married woman for such a purpose! But I do not wish your son to be suspected on an unfounded report, nor appear inconstant, undeservedly, to you, to whom he by no means ought; for he has deserved of me, that, so far as I am able, I should do him a service.

LACHES

Your language has rendered me quite friendly and well disposed toward you; but not only did they think so—I too believed it. Now that I have found you quite different from what I had expected, take care that you still continue the same-make use of my friendship as you please; if otherwise—; but I will forbear, that you may not hear any thing unkind from me. But this one thing I recommend you make trial what sort of a friend I am, or what I can effect as such, rather than what as an enemy.

Enter PHIDIPPUS and a NURSE.PHIDIPPUS

(to the NURSE.) Nothing at my house will I suffer you to be in want of; but whatever is requisite shall be supplied you in abundance. Still, when you are well fed and well drenched, do take care that the child has enough. The NURSE goes into his house.

LACHES

to BACCHIS. My son's father-in-law, I see, is coming; he is bringing a nurse for the child. Accosting him. Phidippus, Bacchis swears most solemnly.

PHIDIPPUS

Is this she?

LACHES

It is.

PHIDIPPUS

Upon my faith, those women don't fear the Gods; and I don't think that the Gods care about them.

BACCHIS

pointing to her ATTENDANTS. I will give you up my female servants; with my full permission, examine them with any tortures you please. The business at present is this: I must make his wife return home to Pamphilus; should I effect that, I shall not regret its being reported that I have been the only one to do what other courtesans avoid doing. Other courtesans avoid doing: Colman has the following quotation from Donatus: "Terence, by his uncommon art, has attempted many innovations with great success. In this Comedy, he introduces, contrary to received prejudices, a good step-mother and an honest courtesan; but at the same time he so carefully assigns their motives of action, that by him alone every thing seems reconcilable to truth and nature; for this is just the opposite of what he mentions in another place, as the common privilege of all Poets, 'to paint good matrons and wicked courtesans.'" Perhaps the same good feeling prompted Terence, in showing that a mother-in-law and a courtesan could be capable of acting with good and disinterested feelings, which caused Cumberland to write his Play of "The Jew," to combat the popular prejudice against that persecuted class, by showing, in the character of Sheva, that a Jew might possibly be a virtuous man.

LACHES

We find, Phidippus, that our wives have been unjustly suspected Have been unjustly suspected: The words here employed are also capable of meaning, if an active sense is given to "suspectas," "our wives have entertained wrong suspicions;" but the sense above given seems preferable, as being the meaning of the passage. by us in this matter. Let us now try her still further; for if your wife discovers that she has given credence to a false charge, she will dismiss her resentment; but if my son is also angry, by reason of the circumstance that his wife has been brought to bed without his knowledge, that is a trifle: his anger on that account will speedily subside. Assuredly in this matter, there is nothing so bad as to be deserving of a separation.

PHIDIPPUS

I sincerely wish it may be so.

LACHES

Examine her; here she is; she herself will satisfy you.

PHIDIPPUS

Why do you tell me these things? Is it because you have not already heard what my feelings are with regard to this matter, Laches? Do you only satisfy their minds.

LACHES

Troth now, Bacchis, I do entreat that what you have promised me you will do.

BACCHIS

Would you wish me, then, to go in about this business?

LACHES

Go, and satisfy their minds, so as to make them believe it.

BACCHIS

I'll go: although, upon my word, I am quite sure that my presence will be disagreeable to them, for a married woman is the enemy of a mistress, when she has been separated from her husband.

LACH.

But they will be your friends, when they know the reason of your coming.

PHIDIPPUS

And I promise that they shall be your friends, when they know the fact; for you will release them from their mistake, and yourself, at the same time, from suspicion.

BACCHIS

Wretched me! I'm ashamed to meet Philumena. (To her ATTENDANTS.) Do you both follow me into the house. Goes into the house with PHIDIPPUS and her ATTENDANTS.

LACHES

to himself. What is there that I could more wish for, than what I see has happened to this woman? To gain favor without loss to myself, and to benefit myself at the same time. For if now it is the fact that she has really withdrawn from Pamphilus, she knows that by that step she has acquired honor and reputation: she returns the favor to him, and, by the same means, attaches us as friends to herself. Goes into the house.