Page:Comedies of Publius Terentius Afer (1870).djvu/41

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You will reply—Behold me ready, father.

He cannot scold you more, and all his plans,

Determinations, cast to all the winds.

You need not fear, for Chremes will refuse

To give her anywise; so fear not him.

Now say it bravely, without hesitation—

Say, Father, I am ready. For do not think

That you are master of yourself, or can

Command events by acting as you please.

He is determined now that you shall wed,

To take one dowerless, to have his way.

Consent with him, and throw him off his guard,

And he will go to sleep—and act no more;

In the mean time, something may turn up good.

Pam. You think so?

Dav. Out of doubt.

Pam. Ah, take you heed.

Dav. Be still, I say.

Pam. Well, I consent. But look!

He must know nothing of the infant child.

I have promised her to rear it.

Dav. Madness!

Pam. She has besought, and I have promised it.

It is a pledge, I never will desert her.

Dav. It shall be seen to; but your father comes.

Be careful and disguise your melancholy.

Sim. I stroll about, to see what they are at,

What they devise.

Dav. The old man is uneasy,