Char. Why so? Surely he will not give her to him, after all this. (Pointing to Pamphilus.)
Dav. You silly fellow! as though it were a necessary consequence that if he doesn’t give her to him you should marry her: unless, indeed, you look about you; unless you entreat and make court to the old man’s friends.
Char. You advise well. I’ll go; although, upon my faith, this hope has often eluded me already. Farewell!
Exit.
[ Scene IV.]
Pamphilus and Davus.
Pam. What then does my father mean? Why does he thus make pretense?
Dav. I’ll tell you. If now he were angry with you, because Chremes will not give you a wife, he would seem to himself to be unjust, and that not without reason, before he has ascertained your feelings as to the marriage, how they are disposed. But if you refuse to marry her, in that case he will transfer the blame to you; then such disturbances will arise.
Pam. I will submit to any thing from him.
Dav. He is your father, Pamphilus. It is a difficult matter. Besides, this woman is defenseless. No sooner said than done; he will find some pretext for driving her away from the city.