Bacch. Ah!
Lach. Just let me speak: before he was married to this woman, I tolerated your amour. Stay! I have not yet said to you what I intended. He has now got a wife: look out for another person more to be depended on, while you have time to deliberate; for neither will he be of this mind all his life, nor, i’ faith, will you be always of your present age.
Bacch. Who is it says this?
Lach. His mother-in-law.
Bacch. What! that I—
Lach. That you do: and she has taken away her daughter; and for that reason, has wished secretly to destroy the child that has been born.
Bacch. Did I know any other means whereby I might be enabled to establish my credit with you, more solemn than an oath, I would, Laches, assure you of this, that I have kept Pamphilus at a distance[57] from me ever since he took a wife.
Lach. You are very good. But, pray, do you know what I would prefer that you should do?
Bacch. What? Tell me.
Lach. Go in-doors there (pointing to the house of Phidippus) to the women, and make the same promise, on oath, to them; satisfy their minds, and clear yourself from this charge.