Scene V.

Enter Pamphilus.

Pam. Who calls? - Undone! my father!

Simo. What say you? Most -

Chremes. Ah, rather speak at once Your purpose, Simo, and forbear reproach.

Simo. As if 'twere possible to utter aught Severer than he merits! - Tell me then; (To Pam.) Glycerium is a citizen?

Pam. They say so.

Simo. They say so! - Oh amazing impudence! - Does he consider what he says? does he Repent the deed? or does his color take The hue of shame? - To be so weak of soul, Against the custom of our citizens, Against the law, against his father's will, To wed himself to shame and this vile woman.

Pam. Wretch that I am!

Simo. Ah, Pamphilus! d'ye feel Your wretchedness at last? Then, then, when first You wrought upon your mind at any rate To gratify your passion: from that hour Well might you feel your state of wretchedness. - But why give in to this? Why torture thus, Why vex my spirit? Why afflict my age For his distemp'rature? Why rue his sins? - No; let him have her, joy in her, live with her.

Pam. My father! -

Simo. How, my father! - can I think You want this father? You that for yourself A home, a wife, and children have acquir'd Against your father's will? And witnesses Suborn'd, to prove that she's a citizen? - You've gain'd your point.

Pam. My father, but one word!

Simo. What would you say?

Chremes. Nay, hear him, Simo.

Simo. Hear him? What must I hear then, Chremes!

Chremes. Let him speak.

Simo. Well, let him speak: I hear him.

Pam. I confess, I love Glycerium: if it be a fault, That too I do confess. To you, my father, I yield myself: dispose me as you please! Command me! Say that I shall take a wife; Leave her; I will endure it, as I may - This only I beseech you, think not I Suborn'd this old man hither. - Suffer me To clear myself, and bring him here before you.

Simo. Bring him here!

Pam. Let me, father!

Chremes. 'Tis but just: Permit him!

Pam. Grant me this!

Simo. Well, be it so.

Exit Pamphilus. I could bear all this bravely, Chremes; more, Much more, to know that he deceiv'd me not.

Chremes. For a great fault a little punishment Suffices to a father.