Act III, Scene VIII

Enter PAMPHILUS in haste from SIMO’S house.

PAM. Where is he? The villain, who this day-- I’m ruined; and I confess that this has justly befallen me, for being such a dolt, so devoid of sense; that I should have intrusted my fortunes to a frivolous slave! I am suffering the reward of my folly; still he shall never get off from me unpunished for this.

DAV. (apart.) I’m quite sure that I shall be safe in future, if for the present I get clear of this mishap.

PAM. But what now am I to say to my father? Am I to deny that I am ready, who have just promised to marry? With what effrontery could I presume to do that? I know not what to do with myself.

DAV. (apart.) Nor I with myself, and yet I’m giving all due attention to it. I’ll tell him that I will devise something, in order that I may procure some respite in this dilemma.

PAM. (Catching sight of him.) Oho!

DAV. (apart.) I’m seen.

PAM. (sneeringly.) How now, good sir, what are you about? Do you see how dreadfully I am hampered by your devices?

DAV. Still, I’ll soon extricate you.

PAM. You, extricate me?

DAV. Assuredly, Pamphilus.

PAM. As you have just done, I suppose.

DAV. Why no, better, I trust.

PAM. What, am I to believe you, you scoundrel? You, indeed, make good a matter that’s all embarrassment and ruin! Just see, in whom I’ve been placing reliance-- you who this day from a most happy state have been and plunged me into a marriage. Didn’t I say that this would be the case?

DAV. You did say so.

PAM. What do you deserve?

DAV. The cross. But allow me a little time to recover myself; I’ll soon hit upon something.

PAM. Ah me! not to have the leisure to inflict punishment upon you as I desire! for the present conjuncture warns me to take precautions for myself, not to be taking vengeance on you. (Exeunt.