Part 94 (1/2)

PHID. That event 'Tis in your pow'r to hinder.

LACH. If you're wise, Take your wife home again!

PAM. I can not, father.

I must not slack my duty to my mother. (_Going._)

LACH. Where are you going? (_Exit PAMPHILUS._

SCENE IX.

_Manent LACHES and PHIDIPPUS._

PHID. How perverse is this! (_Angrily._)

LACH. Did not I say he'd take it ill, Phidippus, And therefore begg'd you to send back your daughter?

PHID. 'Fore Heaven I did not think him such a churl.

What! does he fancy I'll go cringing to him?

No;--if he'll take his wife he may:--if not, Let him refund her portion;--there's an end!

LACH. See there now! you're as fractious as himself.

PHID. You're come back obstinate and proud enough In conscience, Pamphilus! (_Angrily._)

LACH. This anger will subside, Though he has had some cause to be disturb'd.

PHID. Because you've had a little money left you, Your minds are so exalted!

LACH. What, d'ye quarrel With me too?

PHID. Let him take to-day to think on't, And send me word if he shall have her home Or not: that if she don't remain his wife, She may be given to another. (_Exit hastily._

SCENE X.

_LACHES alone._

Stay!

Hear me! one word, Phidippus! Stay!--He's gone.

--What is't to me? (_Angrily._) E'en let them settle it Among themselves; since nor my son, nor he Take my advice, nor mind one word I say.

--This quarrel shall go round, I promise them: I'll to my wife, the author of this mischief, And vent my spleen and anger upon her. (_Exit._

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

_Enter MYRRHINA hastily._

MYRR. What shall I do?--Confusion!--which way turn?

Alas! what answer shall I make my husband?