I went to her; you had withdrawn; we were alone; she began: My dear Pamphilus, you see her beauty and her youth; and it is not unknown to you to what extent both of these are now of use to her, in protecting both her chastity and her interests. By this right hand I do entreat you, and by your good Genius,By your good Genius: Per Genium tuum. This was a common expression with the Romans, and is used by Horace, Epistles, B. i., Ep. 7:—Quod te per Genium dextramque Deosque Penates,Obsecro, et obtestor— The word Genius signified the tutelary God who was supposed to attend every person from the period of his birth. The signification of the word will be found further referred to in the Notes to the Translation of Plautus.by your own fidelity, and by her bereft condition, do not withdraw yourself from her, or forsake her; if I have loved you as my own brother, or if she has always prized you above all others, or has been obedient to you in all things.You do I give to her as a husband, friend, protector, father. This property of mine do I intrust to you, and commit to your care. She placed her in my hands; that instant, death came upon her. I accepted her; having accepted, I will protect her.MYSISSo indeed I hope.(Moving.)PAMPHILUSBut why are you leaving her?MYSISI’m going to fetch the midwife.To fetch the midwife: Cooke has the following remark here: Methinks Mysis has loitered a little too much, considering the business which she was sent about; but perhaps Terence knew that some women were of such a temper as to gossip on the way, though an affair of life or death requires their haste. Colman thus takes him to task for this observation: This two-edged reflection, glancing at once on Terence and the ladies, is, I think, very ill-founded. The delay of Mysis, on seeing the emotion of Pamphilus, is very natural; and her artful endeavors to interest Pamphilus on behalf of her mistress, are rather marks of her attention than neglect. PAMPHILUSMake all haste. And—do you hear?—take care, and not one word about the marriage, lest that too should add to her illness.MYSISI understand. (Exeunt severally.)

(Enter CHARINUS and BYRRHIA.We learn from Donatus that the characters of Charinus and Byrrhia were not introduced in the work of Menander, but were added to the Play of Terence, lest Philumena’s being left without a husband, on the marriage of Pamphilus to Glycerium, should appear too tragical a circumstance. Diderot is of opinion that Terence did not improve his Play by this addition. )CHARINUSHow say you, Byrrhia? Is she to be given in marriage to Pamphilus to-day?BYRRHIAIt is so.CHARINUSHow do you know?BYRRHIAI heard it just now from Davus at the Forum.CHARINUSWoe unto wretched me! As, hitherto, until now, my mind has been racked amid hope and fear; so, since hope has been withdrawn, wearied with care, it sinks overwhelmed.BYRRHIABy my troth, Charinus, since that which you wish can not come to pass, prithee, do wish that which can.CHARINUSI wish for nothing else but Philumena.BYRRHIAAlas! How much better were it for you to endeavor to expel that passion from your mind, than to be saying that by which your desire is to no purpose still more inflamed.CHARINUSWe all, when we are well, with ease give good advice to the sick. If you were in my situation, you would think otherwise.BYRRHIAWell, well, just as you like.CHARINUS(looking down the side scene.)But I see Pamphilus; I’m determined I’ll try every thing before I despair.BYRRHIA(aside.)What does he mean?CHARINUSI will entreat his own self; I will supplicate him; I will disclose to him my love. I think that I shall prevail upon him to put off the marriage for some days at least; in the mean time, something will turn up, I trust.BYRRHIAThat something is nothing.CHARINUSByrrhia, how seems it to you? Shall I accost him?BYRRHIAWhy not? Should you not prevail, that at least he may look upon you as a gallant ready provided for him, if he marries her.CHARINUSAway with you to perdition with that vile suggestion, you rascal!(Enter PAMPHILUS.)PAMPHILUSI espy Charinus. (Accosting him.) Good-morrow!CHARINUSO, good-morrow. Pamphilus, I’m come to you, seeking hope, safety, counsel, and assistance.PAMPHILUSI’faith, I have neither time for counsel, nor resources for assistance. But what’s the matter now?