Part 17 (2/2)

DAVUS. But though it should prove true, Sir!

SIMO. True or false.

See that you keep him bound: and do you hear?

Bind the slave hand and foot. Away! (_Exeunt DROMO and DAVUS._

SCENE IV.

_Manent SIMO, CHREMES._

--By Heav'n, As I do live, I'll make you know this day What peril lies in trifling with a master, And make him know what 'tis to plague a father.

CHREMES. Ah, be not in such rage.

SIMO. Oh Chremes, Chremes, Filial unkindness!--Don't you pity me!

To feel all this for such a thankless son!---- Here, Pamphilus, come forth! ho, Pamphilus!

Have you no shame? (_Calling at GLYCERIUM'S door._)

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 pa.s.sion: 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.

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