Part 99 (1/2)

--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 ingrat.i.tude 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.

[Changes:

_Harper_ I've sav'd; a wife he meant to put away _Colman 1768_ I sav'd; a wife he meant to put away]

SCENE IV.

_Enter at a distance PAMPHILUS and PARMENO._

PAM. Be sure you prove this to me, Parmeno; Prithee, be sure on't. Do not bubble me With false and short-liv'd joy.

PAR. 'Tis even so.

PAM. For certain?

PAR. Aye, for certain.

PAM. I'm in heaven, If this be so.

PAR. You'll find it very true.

PAM. Hold, I beseech you.--I'm afraid I think One thing, while you relate another.

PAR. Well?

PAM. You said, I think, ”that Myrrhina discover'd The ring on Bacchis' finger was her own.”

PAR. She did.

PAM. ”The same I gave her formerly.

--And Bacchis bade you run and tell me this.”

Is it not so?

PAR. I tell you, Sir, it is.

PAM. Who is more fortunate, more bless'd than I?

--What shall I give you for this news? what? what?

I don't know.

PAR. But I know.

PAM. What?

PAR. Just nothing.