Act II, Scene I

Enter PHÆDRIA and PARMENO.

PHÆD. Mind that those people are taken there, as I ordered.

PAR. I’ll do so.

PHÆD. And carefully.

PAR. It shall be done.

PHÆD. And with all speed.

PAR. It shall be done.

PHÆD. Have you had sufficient instructions?

PAR. Dear me! to ask the question, as though it were a matter of difficulty. I wish that you were able, Phædria, to find any thing as easily as this present will be lost.

PHÆD. Together with it, I myself am lost, which concerns me more nearly. Don’t bear this with such a feeling of vexation.

PAR. By no means; on the contrary, I’ll see it done. But do you order any thing else?

PHÆD. Set off my present with words, as far as you can; and so far as you are able, do drive away that rival of mine from her.

PAR. Pshaw! I should have kept that in mind, even if you hadn’t reminded me.

PHÆD. I shall go into the country and remain there.

PAR. I agree with you. (Moves as if going.)

PHÆD. But hark you!

PAR. What is it you want?

PHÆD. Are you of opinion that I can muster resolution and hold out so as not to come back within the time?

PAR. What, you? Upon my faith, I don’t think so; for either you’ll be returning at once, or by-and-by, at night, want of sleep will be driving you hither.

PHÆD. I’ll do some laborious work, that I may be continually fatigued, so as to sleep in spite of myself.

PAR. When wearied, you will be keeping awake; by this you will be making it worse.

PHÆD. Oh, you talk to no purpose, Parmeno: this softness of spirit, upon my faith, must be got rid of; I indulge myself too much. Could I not do without her, pray, if there were the necessity, even for a whole three days?

PAR. Whew! an entire three days! Take care what you are about.

PHÆD. My mind is made up. (Exit.