Pam. For my part, I could like, and can hardly forbear it; but I shall not alter my design; that which is most advantageous I shall pursue; I suppose (ironically) that they will be better reconciled, in consequence, if I shall take her back.
Lach. You can not tell. But it matters nothing to you which they do when she has gone away. Persons of this age are disliked by young people; it is right for us to withdraw from the world; in fine, we are now a nice by-word. We are, Pamphilus, “the old man and the old woman.”[54] But I see Phidippus coming out just at the time; let’s accost him.
[ Scene VI.]
Enter Phidippus, from his house.
Phid. (speaking at the door to Philumena, within.) Upon my faith, I am angry with you too, Philumena, extremely so, for, on my word, you have acted badly; still there is an excuse for you in this matter; your mother forced you to it; but for her there is none.
Lach. (accosting him.) Phidippus, you meet me at a lucky moment, just at the very time.
Phid. What’s the matter?
Pam. (aside.) What answer shall I make them, or in what manner keep this secret?
Lach. (to Phidippus.) Tell your daughter that Sostrata is going into the country, that she may not now be afraid of returning home.
Phid. Alas! your wife has been guilty of no fault in this affair; all this mischief has originated in my wife Myrrhina.