which are now arranged by him to be disarranged, without any danger; for this is not to be doubted, that Chremes will not give you his daughter. Therefore do not hesitate in those measures which you are taking, on this account, lest he should change his sentiments. Tell your father that you consent; so that although he may desire it, he may not be able to be angry at you with reason. For that which you rely on, I will easily refute; No one, you think, will give a wife to a person of these habits. But he will find a beggar for you, rather than allow you to be corrupted by a mistress. If, however, he shall believe that you bear it with a contented mind, you will render him indifferent; at his leisure he will look out for another wife for you; in the mean time something lucky may turn up.PAMPHILUSDo you think so?DAVUSIt really is not a matter of doubt.PAMPHILUSConsider to what you are persuading me.DAVUSNay, but do be quiet.PAMPHILUSWell, I’ll say it; but, that he mayn’t come to know that she has had a child by me, is a thing to be guarded against; for I have promised to bring it up.DAVUSOh, piece of effrontery.PAMPHILUSShe entreated me that I would give her this pledge, by which she might be sure she should not be deserted.DAVUSIt shall be attended to; but your father’s coming. Take care that he doesn’t perceive that you are out of spirits.

(Enter SIMO, at a distance.)SIMO(apart to himself.)I’ve come back to see what they are about, or what scheme they are hatching.DAVUS(to PAMPHILUS.)He has no doubt at present but that you’ll refuse to marry. Having considered his course, he’s come from a retired spot somewhere or other; he hopes that he has framed a speech by which to disconcert you; do you take care, then, to be yourself.PAMPHILUSIf I am only able, Davus.DAVUSTrust me for that, Pamphilus, I tell you; your father will never this day exchange a single word with you, if you say that you will marry.

(Enter BYRRHIA, unperceived, at a distance behind SIMO.)BYRRHIA(apart to himself.)My master has ordered me, leaving my business, to keep an eye on Pamphilus today, what he is doing with regard to the marriage. I was to learn it; for that reason, I have now followed himI have now followed him: Hunc venientem sequor. Cooke has the following remark on this line: This verse, though in every edition, as Bentley judiciously observes, is certainly spurious; for as Pamphilus has not disappeared since Byrrhia left the stage, he could not say nunc hunc venientem sequor. If we suppose the line genuine, we must at the same time suppose Terence guilty of a monstrous absurdity. On these words Colman rakes the following just observations: Other Commentators have also stumbled at this passage; but if in the words followed him hither, we suppose him (hunc) to refer to Simo, the difficulty is removed; and that the pronoun really does signify Simo, is evident from the circumstance of Pamphilus never having left the stage since the disappearance of Byrrhia. Simo is also represented as coming on the stage homeward, so that Byrrhia might easily have followed him along the street; and it is evident that Byrrhia does not allude to Pamphilus from the agreeable surprise which he expresses on seeing him there so opportunely for the purpose. (pointing to SIMO.) as he came hither. Himself, as well, I see standing with Davus close at hand; I’ll note this.SIMO(apart to himself.)I see that both of them are here.DAVUS(in a low voice to PAMPHILUS.)Now then, be on your guard.SIMOPamphilus!DAVUS(in a low voice.)Look round at him as though taken unawares.PAMPHILUS(turning round sharply.)What, my father!DAVUS(in a low voice.)Capital!SIMOI wish you to marry a wife to-day, as I was saying.BYRRHIA(apart.)Now I’m in dread for our side, as to what he will answer.PAMPHILUSNeither in that nor in any thing else shall you ever find any hesitation in me.BYRRHIA(apart.)Hah!DAVUS(in a low voice to PAMPHILUS.)He is struck dumb.BYRRHIA(apart.)What a speech!SIMOYou act as becomes you, when that which I ask I obtain with a good grace.DAVUS(aside to PAMPHILUS.)Am I right?