Act II, Scene I

Enter CHARINUS and BYRRHIA.

CHAR. How say you, Byrrhia? Is she to be given in marriage to Pamphilus to-day?

BYR. It is so.

CHAR. How do you know?

BYR. I heard it just now from Davus at the Forum.

CHAR. Woe unto wretched me! As, hitherto, until now, my mind has been racked amid hope and fear; so, since hope has been withdrawn, wearied with care, it sinks overwhelmed.

BYR. By my troth, Charinus, since that which you wish can not come to pass, prithee, do wish that which can.

CHAR. I wish for nothing else but Philumena.

BYR. Alas! How much better were it for you to endeavor to expel that passion from your mind, than to be saying that by which your desire is to no purpose still more inflamed.

CHAR. We all, when we are well, with ease give good advice to the sick. If you were in my situation, you would think otherwise.

BYR. Well, well, just as you like.

CHAR. (looking down the side scene.) But I see Pamphilus; I’m determined I’ll try every thing before I despair.

BYR. (aside) What does he mean?

CHAR. I will entreat his own self; I will supplicate him; I will disclose to him my love. I think that I shall prevail upon him to put off the marriage for some days at least; in the mean time, something will turn up, I trust.

BYR. That something is nothing.

CHAR. Byrrhia, how seems it to you? Shall I accost him?

BYR. Why not? Should you not prevail, that at least he may look upon you as a gallant ready provided for him, if he marries her.

CHAR. Away with you to perdition with that vile suggestion, you rascal!