Page:Comedies of Publius Terentius Afer (1870).djvu/32

14

Mys. Unhappy me, what tidings do I hear?

Pam. And Chremes, who withdrew his word, nor would

Grant unto me his daughter. Say has he

Turned round because I am unsuitable?

And is he thus obdurate, to enforce

My separation with Glycerium?

If so, I am undone—past remedy.

Was ever man, I ask, so crossed in love,

Unhappy and unfortunate as I?

O faith of gods and man! Is there no mode

By which I can avoid—escape this tie.

Cursèd alliance. And myself contemned,

Despised, and unconsulted, find it all

A settled thing. Zounds! And am sent for—why?

Now, by my soul! I think she is deformed,

And no one else will have her; therefore, therefore,

They come to me.

Mys. I am frightened of my life.

Pam. My father also—that he should transact

Affairs of so much moment heedlessly.

He met me in the Forum, and he said,

To-day we marry you, my Pamphilus!

Hurry you home. Hurry to hang yourself,

Methought he said to me. I stood aghast,

Without the gift of speech; nor could reply

With reason good nor bad: dumbfounded quite.

Now, had I but foreknown, and been prepared,

And had my reasons and objections ready;

But now I do not know what I can do,

For cares beset me, harrowing my soul.

Love, pity, detestation, duty to

My father, whom I love, and hitherto