Page:Comedies of Publius Terentius Afer (1870).djvu/71

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Chr. Forbear, I say;

Speak calmly to him, without rhapsody.

Sim. If it were possible with what he has done—

Say is Glycerium a citizen?

Pam. They so affirm.

Sim. They so affirm; do they?

A most outrageous impudence—is there

A falter in his voice—blush on his brow?

Is there a sign of penitence or shame?

Ah! can it be? so impotent of mind,

So callous to the laws, so hostile to

His filial obedience—father's hopes—

To wed to ignominy and disgrace.

Pam. I am most wretched.

Sim. Do you, Pamphilus,

Learn that to-day?—You should have wretched been

Before you gave unbridled passion reins.

Now truly may you say you're miserable.

But wherefore do I trouble so my soul—

Wherefore torment my mind—excruciate

My old age—weary me to madness—

Shall I endure the penalties for him?

No; let him troop and go and—live with her.

Pam. My Father!

Sim. Ay, my Father; as though you

Needed a father: you have house and home

And wife and child, and all against his will.

You bring your sycophants to prove that she

Is a free-born of Attica. I yield.

Pam. Father, will you permit me a few words?

Sim. Wherefore—what words?

Chr. Yet, Simo, let him speak.