ACT II.
Scene 1.—Charinus—Byrrhia—Pamphilus.
Cha. What say you, Byrrhia? She given in marriage
To Pamphilus?
Byr. E'en so.
Cha. How did you learn it?
Byr. From Davus in the Forum.
Cha. Oh misery, misery.
Long between hope and fear my spirit swept,
And hope was uppermost and now is crushed;
Hope absent—it is drowned in lethargy.
Byr. Why, edepol! Charinus, though you can't
Do what you will, up and do what you can.
Cha. Nought save Philumena is now my will.
Byr. Ah ! how much better were it now to chase
This folly from your heart, and cease to speak
Such sentiments as only drive you mad.
Cha. All men in health can counsel who are sick,
But when themselves are sick 'tis otherwise.
Byr. Do as you please.
Cha. But behold Pamphilus
I will try every effort ere I die.
Byr. And what with him?
Cha. Entreat him and implore him—
Tell of my love—petition for delay;
At least a day or two, in hopes of something.
Byr. Which something, nothing is.
Cha. Advise me, Byrrhia,
Say, shall I speak?
