Scene III.

Bacchis alone.

What joy have I procur'd to Pamphilus By coming here to-day! what blessings brought him! And from how many sorrows rescued him! His son, by his and their means nearly lost, I sav'd; a wife he meant to put away, I have restor'd; and from the strong suspicions Of Laches and Phidippus set him free. - 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 ingratitude 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.