END OF THE FOURTH ACT.
END OF THE FOURTH ACT.
ACT V.Scene I.SceneI.Chremes, Simo.
SceneI.
Chremes, Simo.
Chremes.Cease your entreaties, Simo; enough,[192]and more than enough have I already shewn my friendship towards you: enough have I risked for you. In my endeavours to oblige you, I have nearly trifled away my daughter’s happiness.
Simo.Nay, Chremes, it is now more than ever that I beg, and even implore that the kindness you granted me by promise, may now be fulfilled in deed.
Chremes.Your eagerness to obtain what you desire makes you unjust, and forgetful of your usual friendship and consideration; for, if you reflected for a moment on what you ask of me, you would cease to urge me to do myself such an injustice.
Simo.What injustice.
Chremes.Can you ask? you prevailed on me to choose as my daughter’s husband, a young man distracted with love for another, and detesting every thought of marriage: if this union had been consummated, it would have inthralled her with a husband who would not have loved her, and exposed her to all the miseries of an unhappy union: that, at the expense of her happiness, I might attempt the cure of your son. You obtained your request: the treaty went forward, while circumstances allowed of it; but now the affair wears a different aspect, be satisfied, and bear your disappointment with temper. It is said that Glycera is a citizen of Athens;[193]and that she has a son by Pamphilus: this sets us free.
Simo.I conjure you, Chremes, by the gods, not to suffer yourself to be led away by those who wish to make their advantage of my son’s follies: all those reports are invented and spread abroad, with a view to prevent the marriage: when their cause ceases, they will cease also.
Chremes.You are mistaken: I myself saw the Andrian’s maid quarrelling with Davus.
Simo.Oh, no doubt! that I can easily believe.
Chremes.But, in earnest; when neither knew that I was present.
Simo.I believe it: for Davus told me not long ago that it would be so: and I can’t think how I could forget to tell you of it, as I intended.
SceneII.
Chremes, Simo, Davus.
Davus.(to himself.) I banish care.
Chremes.Here comes Davus.
Simo.Where does he come from?
Davus.(to himself.) By virtue of the stranger’s assistance, and my sovereign skill and ingenuity.
Simo.What’s the matter now?
Davus.(to himself.) I never saw any man arrive more opportunely.
Simo.Whom is this rascalpraising?
Davus.(to himself.) All now is safe.
Simo.What hinders me from speaking to him?
Davus.(aside.) ’Tis my master, what shall I do?
Simo.(sneering.) God save you, worthy Sir.
Davus.Oh! Simo, and our Chremes, all things are now prepared within.
Simo.You’ve taken good care, no doubt!
Davus.Send for the bride as soon as you please.
Simo.Very well, but Pamphilus is absent now: however, do you answer me: what business had you in that house?
Davus.(confused.) Who? I?
Simo.You.
Davus.I, do you say?
Simo.Yes, you, I say.
Davus.I went in just now.
Simo.As if I asked him how long it was ago.
Davus.With Pamphilus.
Simo.How! is Pamphilus there? wretch that I am! I’m half distracted! ha! rascal, did you not tell me that they were at variance.
Davus.So they are.
Simo.Why then is he there?
Chremes.(sneering.) Oh! he’s gone to quarrel with her, no doubt.
Davus.Oh yes, and Chremes, I will tell you of a most curious affair. An old man, whose name I know not, arrived here just now; he seems both shrewd and confident; his manners and appearance command respect; there[194]is a grave severity in his countenance; and he speaks with boldness.
Simo.What’s all this about, sirrah?
Davus.Nothing, truly, but what I heard him say.
Simo.And what does he say?
Davus.That he can prove Glycera to be a citizen of Athens.
Simo.(in a passion.) Ho! Dromo! Dromo!
Davus.What’s the matter?
Simo.Dromo!
Davus.Only hear me.
Simo.If you dare to say another word.—Dromo, I say!
Davus.Hear me, Sir, I beseech you.
SceneIII.
Simo, Chremes, Davus, Dromo.
Dromo.What’s your pleasure, Sir.
Simo.Seize this rascal directly, and take him away[195].
Dromo.Whom?
Simo.Davus.
Davus.Why?
Simo.Because it is my pleasure. Away with him, I say.
Davus.What have I done?
Simo.Away with him.
Davus.If you find that I have spoken falsely, kill me.
Simo.I’ll not hear a single word. I’ll ruffle you now, rascal, I will.
Davus.For all that, what I say is true.
Simo.For all that, Dromo, take care to keep him bound,[196]and, do you hear? chain him up hands and feet together. Go, sirrah, if I live, I’ll shew you what it is to impose upon your master, and Pamphilus also shall learn that an indulgent father is not to be deceived with impunity.
[Exeunt Dromo and Davus.
Chremes.Ah! Simo, check your excessive rage.
Simo.Chremes, is this the duty that a father ought to expect from his son? Do you not pity me, that I am made so anxious by a son? Oh Pamphilus! Pamphilus! come forth: have you no shame?
SceneIV.
Simo, Chremes, Pamphilus.
Pam.Who calls me? ’Tis my father! I am undone.
Simo.What can you say for yourself? of allthe——
Chremes.(interrupting.) Ah! come to the point at once, and spare your reproaches.
Simo.Reproaches! Can any be too severe for him? Tell me, (to Pamphilus.) do you assert that Glycera is a citizen of Athens?
Pam.I have heard that she is.
Simo.You have heard it! Oh impudence! Now does he seem to care for what he says? does he seem to repent of his folly? does he betray any symptoms of shame? can he be so weak?[197]so totally regardless of the customs and laws of his country, and his father’s commands, as to wish to degrade himself by an infamous union with this woman?
Pam.Unhappy wretch that I am!
Simo.Ah! Pamphilus, is it only now that you have discovered that? long, long ago, I say, when you debased your inclinations, and were willing to sacrifice every thing to your desires; then it was that you might truly have called yourself unhappy. But what am I doing? why do I torment myself? why should I suffer? why imbitter my old age with his mad folly? Am I to pay the penalty of his offences? No: let him have her: I bid him farewell: let her supply the place of his father.
Pam.Oh, my father!
Simo.What need have you of a father? you, who have chosen a wife, children, and home, which are all of them disagreeable, and even obnoxious to that father? Persons are suborned hither too,[198]who say, that she is a citizen of Athens. You have conquered.
Pam.Dear Sir, hear me but for a moment.
Simo.What can you say?
Chremes.Yet hear him, Simo, I entreat you.
Simo.Hear him! Oh Chremes, what shall I hear?
Chremes.Nevertheless, permit him to speak.
Simo.Well, let him speak then, I permit it.
Pam.Oh! my father: I confess that I love; and, if to love be a crime, I confess that I am guilty. But to you I submit: your commands I promise implicitly to obey: if you insist on my marriage with Philumena; and compel me to subdue my love[199]for Glycera, I will endeavour to comply with your commands: I implore only, that you will cease to accuse me of suborning hither this old man. Suffer me to bring him before you; that I may clear myself from this degrading suspicion[200].
Simo.What! bring him here?
Pam.Suffer it, my father.
Chremes.Simo, it is a just request: allow this stranger to come before you.
Pam.Dear Sir, grant me this favour?
Simo.Well, be it so. (Pamphilus goes in.) Oh! Chremes, what would I not give, to be convinced that my son has not deceived me.
Chremes.However great may be the faults of a son, a slight punishment satisfies a father.
SceneV.
Chremes, Simo, Crito, Pamphilus.
Crito.Say no more, Pamphilus, I would do what you wish either for your sake, or for Glycera’s, or even my regard for truth would be a sufficient inducement.
Chremes.Do I see Crito the Andrian? Yes, it is he!
Crito.Well met, Chremes.
Chremes.What brought you to Athens, who are such a stranger here?
Crito.I came hither on business: but is this Simo?
Chremes.Yes.
Simo.Does he ask for me? Well, Sir, I am Simo: do you dare to say that Glycera is a citizen of Athens?
Crito.Do you deny it?
Simo.Are you come hither so well prepared?
Crito.Prepared! for what?
Simo.Do you ask? Can you think that you shall do these things with impunity? Can you think that you will be suffered to insnare inexperienced and respectable young men? and flatter them with fair words and fine promises?
Crito.Are you in your senses?
Simo.And, at last, conclude this shameful fraud, by marrying them to their mistresses?
Pam.(aside.) I am undone? Crito, I fear, will not be able to maintain his ground.
Chremes.[201]Simo, if you knew this stranger as well as I do, you would think better of him: he is a worthy man.
Simo.He a worthy man? but yes, it was very good of him to be sure to come here so opportunely on the day of my son’s marriage! he! who was never at Athens before! Chremes, ought such a man to be believed?
Pam.(aside.) I could easily explain that circumstance; but I fear my interference would offend my father.
Simo.A sycophant[202].
Crito.What!
Chremes.Bear with him, Crito, ’tis his humour.
Crito.Then let him look to it: if he persists in saying all he pleases, I will make him hear something that will not please him. Do I interfere in this affair? what have I to do with it? Can you not bear your disappointment patiently. As for what I assert, it is easy enough to ascertain whether it is true or false. Some years ago, a certain Athenian was shipwrecked, and cast upon the isle of Andros: he was accompanied by this very Glycera, who was then an infant: and, in great distress, applied for assistance to the father of Chrysis.
Simo.Now he begins a tale.
Chremes.Suffer him to speak.
Crito.What! will he interrupt me?
Chremes.(to Crito.) Pray proceed.
Crito.Chrysis’ father, who received[203]him, was my relation: and, at his house, I’ve heard that shipwrecked stranger say, that he was an Athenian: he died in Andros.
Chremes.(eagerly.) His namewas ——
Crito.His name so quickly. Phania.
Chremes.Ah!
Crito.At least I think it was Phania: one thing I am sure of, he said he was from[204]Rhamnus.
Chremes.Oh Jupiter!
Crito.Many other persons who were then in Andros heard of these things.
Chremes.Heaven grant my hopes may be fulfilled: tell me, Crito, did he call the child his own?
Crito.No.
Chremes.Whose then?
Crito.He said she was the daughter of his brother.
Chremes.Then she is surely mine!
Crito.What say you?
Simo.How can she be yours? What is it you say?
Pam.Listen, Pamphilus.
Simo.What are your reasons for believing this?
Chremes.That Phania was my brother.
Simo.I know it: I was well acquainted with him.
Chremes.That he might avoid the war, he quitted Greece: and, following me, set sail for Asia: fearing to leave the child, he took her with him: and this is the first account I have ever received of their fate.
Pam.I am scarcely myself: my mind is so agitated by fear, hope, joy, and astonishment, at this so great and unexpected happiness.
Simo.Believe me, Chremes, I rejoice most sincerely that Glycera proves to be your daughter.
Pam.That, I believe, my father.
Chremes.But stay: I have yet one doubt, which gives me some uneasiness.
Pam.Away with all your doubts and scruples; you seek a difficulty where none exists.
Crito.What is it?
Chremes.The name does not agree.
Crito.I know she bore some other name when an infant.
Chremes.What was it? Crito, have you forgotten?
Crito.I am trying to remember it.
Pam.Shall I suffer his want of memory to retard my happiness, when I myself can find a remedy? I will not. Chremes, the name you want is Pasibula.
Crito.The very name[205].
Chremes.You are right.
Pam.I have heard it from herself a thousand times.
Simo.Chremes, I hope you are convinced how sincerely we all rejoice at this discovery[206].
Chremes.I have no doubt of it.
Pam.And now, dear Sir.
Simo.The happy turn of the affair has reconciled me, my son: be all unpleasant recollections banished.
Pam.A thousand thanks, my father. I trust that Chremes also consents that Glycera should be mine.
Chremes.Undoubtedly: with your father’s approbation.
Pam.Oh! that is certain.
[207]Simo.I consent most joyfully.
Chremes.Pamphilus, my daughter’s portion is ten talents[208].
Pam.Dear sir, I am quite satisfied.
Chremes.I will hasten to my daughter: come with me, Crito, for I suppose that she will not remember me.
[Chremes and Crito go in.
SceneVI.
Simo, Pamphilus.
Simo.Why do you not immediately give orders for her removal to our house[209]?
Pam.That is well thought of, Sir, I’ll intrust that affair to Davus.
Simo.He can’t attend to it.
Pam.Why not?
Simo.Because[210]he is now carrying on things of great weight, and which touch him more nearly.
Pam.What are they?
Simo.He is chained.
Pam.Ah! dear Sir, that was not well done.
Simo.I am sure[211]I ordered it to be well done.
Pam.Order him to be set at liberty, my father, I entreat you.
Simo.Well, well, I will.
Pam.But, pray, let it be done directly.
Simo.I will go in, and order him to be released.
[Exit Simo.
Pam.Oh what a joyous happy day is this to me!
SceneVII.
Pamphilus, Charinus.
Char.(to himself.) I came to see what Pamphilus is doing: and here he is.
Pam.(to himself.) Any one would think, perhaps, that I do not believe this to be true, but I know it is, because I wish it so. I am of opinion, that the lives of the gods are eternal, because their pleasures are secure, and without end: for I feel that I am[212]become immortal, if no sadness intrude on this joy: but whom do I wish to see at this time? would that I had a friend here whom I might make happy by relating to him my good fortune.
Char.(to himself.) What can be the cause of these transports?
Pam.(to himself.) I see Davus, whom of all men I had rather meet: since I know he will rejoice more sincerely than any one at my happiness.
SceneVIII.
Pamphilus, Charinus, Davus.
Davus.Where is Pamphilus?
Pam.Davus.
Davus.Who is that?
Pam.’Tis I.
Davus.Oh, Pamphilus!
Pam.You do not know what has happened to me.
Davus.No: but I know perfectly well what has happened to me.
Pam.And so do I.
Davus.This happens according to custom, that you should learn my evil fortune before I hear of your good fortune.
Pam.My dear Glycera has discovered her parents.
Davus.Oh! glorious news!
Char.(aside.) What says he?
Pam.Her father is our intimate friend!
Davus.His name?
Pam.Chremes.
Davus.I’m transported with joy.
Pam.There is now no impediment to our marriage[213].
Char.(aside.) This man is[214]dreaming of what he wishes when awake.
Pam.Then, Davus, as for the child——
Davus.Ah, Sir! say no more—you are one of the chief favourites of the gods!
Char.(aside.) I am restored to life if these things be true. I will speak to them.
Pam.Who is that? Ah! Charinus, you come in a most auspicious hour.
Char.I wish you joy.
Pam.How! have you heard thenthat——
Char.I have heard all: and let me conjure you, my friend, to think of me amidst your happiness. Chremes is now your own: and will, I am very sure, consent to any thing you request of him.
Pam.I will not be unmindful of your happiness, I assure you: and, as it would be tedious for us to wait their coming out, accompany me now to my Glycera. Do you, Davus, go home, and order some of our people hither, to[215]remove her to our house. Why do you loiter? Go: don’t lose a moment.
Davus.I am going. (To the spectators.)[216]You must not expect their coming out: she will be betrothed within: where all will be concluded. Farewell: and clap your hands[217].