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The Comedies of Terence

Terence · c. 166 BCE

passage 30 of 180 · SCENE, ATHENS.

↪ you wandered here via “Pamphilus manuscripts” — the connecting lines are tinted below

in brief
Charinus visits Pamphilus as the marriage resolves favorably; Pamphilus learns Chremes will allow the marriage with Glycerium, sends Davus to fetch her, and Davus performs an audience-facing aside about concluding the betrothal quickly.

Enter CHARINUS behind.

CHAR. I come to see what Pamphilus is doing: And there he is!

PAM. And is this true?--yes, yes, I know 'tis true, because I wish it so. Therefore I think the life of Gods eternal, For that their joys are permanent: and now, My soul hath her content so absolute, That I too am immortal, if no ill Step in betwixt me and this happiness. Oh, for a bosom-friend now to pour out My ecstasies before him!

CHAR. What's this rapture? (Listening.)

PAM. Oh, yonder's Davus: nobody more welcome: For he, I know, will join in transport with me.

Enter DAVUS.

DAVUS (entering). Where's Pamphilus?

PAM. Oh Davus!

DAVUS. Who's there?

PAM. I.

DAVUS. Oh Pamphilus!

PAM. You know not my good fortune.

DAVUS. Do you know my ill fortune?

PAM. To a tittle.

DAVUS. 'Tis after the old fashion, that my ills Should reach your ears, before your joys reach mine.

PAM. Glycerium has discover'd her relations.

DAVUS. O excellent!

CHAR. How's that? (Listening.)

PAM. Her father is Our most near friend.

DAVUS. Who?

PAM. Chremes.

DAVUS. Charming news!

PAM. And I'm to marry her immediately.

CHAR. Is this man talking in his sleep, and dreams On what he wishes waking? (Listening.)

PAM. And moreover, For the child, Davus----

DAVUS. Ah, Sir, say no more. You're th' only favorite of the Gods.

CHAR. I'm made, If this be true. I'll speak to them. (Comes forward.)

PAM. Who's there? Charinus! oh, well met.

CHAR. I give you joy.

PAM. You've heard then----

CHAR. Ev'ry word: and prithee now, In your good fortune, think upon your friend. Chremes is now your own; and will perform Whatever you shall ask.

PAM. I shall remember. 'Twere tedious to expect his coming forth: Along with me then to Glycerium! Davus, do you go home, and hasten them To fetch her hence. Away, away!

DAVUS. I go. (Exeunt PAMPHILUS and CHARINUS. (DAVUS addressing the audience.) Wait not till they come forth: within She'll be betroth'd; within, if aught remains Undone, 'twill be concluded--Clap your hands!


       *       *       *       *

THE EUNUCH.

PERSONS REPRESENTED.

PROLOGUE. LACHES. PHAEDRIA. CHAEREA. ANTIPHO. CHREMES. THRASO. GNATHO. PARMENO. DORUS. SANGA. SIMALIO, ETC.

THAIS. PYTHIAS. DORIAS. SOPHRONA. PAMPHILA.

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topics: household management and servants · marriage and betrothal · rhetoric and persuasion

The Comedies of Terence · Terence · 166 BCE