Perde 3
[Textpart 4]
I can’t; I am so tired.
PAMPHILUS
He’s off. What shall I do in this distressed situation? Really, I don’t know
in what way I’m to conceal this, as Myrrhina entreated me, her daughter’s lying-in; but I do pity the woman. What I can, I’ll do; only so long, however, as I observe my duty; for it is proper that I should be regardful of a parent,Regardful of a parent: Colman observes here: This reflection seems to be rather improper in this place, for the discovery of Philumena’s labor betrayed to Pamphilus the real motive of her departure; after which discovery his anxiety proceeds entirely from the supposed injury offered him, and his filial piety is from that period made use of merely as a pretense. rather than of my passion. But look—I see Phidippus and my father.
445
They are coming this way; what to say to them, I’m at a loss.
450
[Textpart 5]
Did you not say, just now, that she was waiting for my son’s return?
LACHES
They say that he has arrived; let her return.
PAMPHILUS
What excuse to make to my father for not taking her back, I don’t know!
LACHES
Who was it I heard speaking here?
PAMPHILUS
I am resolved to persevere in the course I determined to pursue.
LACHES
’Tis the very person about whom I was talking to you.
455
PAMPHILUS
Health to you, my father.
455
LACHES
Health to you, my son.
PHIDIPPUS
I am glad that you have returned, Pamphilus, and the more especially so, as you are safe and well.
LACHES
Have you but just arrived?
LACHES
Tell me, what has our cousin Phania left us?
PAMPHILUS
Why really, i’ faith, he was a man very much devoted to pleasure
while he lived; and those who are so, don’t much benefit their heirs, but for themselves leave this commendation: While he lived, he lived well.He lived well: This is living well in the sense used by the Friar of orders gray. Who leads a good life is sure to live well.
460
