[ Scene IV.]
Enter Pamphilus in haste from Glycerium’s house.
Pam. Who is it that wants me? (Aside.) I’m undone! it’s my father.
Sim. What say you, of all men, the—?
Chrem. Oh! rather speak about the matter itself, and forbear to use harsh language.
Sim. As if any thing too severe could now be possibly said against him. Pray, do you say that Glycerium is a citizen—
Pam. So they say.
Sim. So they say! Unparalleled assurance! does he consider what he says? Is he sorry for what he has done? Does his countenance, pray, at all betray any marks of shame? That he should be of mind so weak, as, without regard to the custom and the law[91] of his fellow-citizens, and the wish of his own father, to be anxious, in spite of every thing, to have her, to his own utter disgrace!
Pam. Miserable that I am!
Sim. Ha! have you at last found that out only just now, Pamphilus? Long since did that expression, long since, when you made up your mind, that what you desired must be effected by you at any price; from that very day did that expression aptly befit you. But yet why do I torment myself? Why vex myself? Why worry my old age with this madness? Am I to suffer the punishment for his offenses? Nay then, let him have her, good-by to him, let him pass his life with her.