would admit; but now
The case is chang'd, content you:--It is said
That she's a citizen; a child is born:
Prithee excuse us!

SIMO. Now, for Heav'n's sake.
Believe not them, whose interest it is
To make him vile and abject as themselves.
These stories are all feign'd, concerted all,
To break the match: when the occasion's past
That urges them to this, they will desist.

CHREMES. Oh, you mistake: e'en now I saw the maid
Wrangling with Davus.

SIMO. Artifice! mere trick.

CHREMES. Aye, but in earnest; and when neither knew
That I was there.

SIMO. It may be so: and Davus
Told me beforehand they'd attempt all this;
Though I, I know not how, forgot to tell you.

SCENE II.

_Enter DAVUS from GLYCERIUM'S._

DAVUS (_to himself_). He may be easy now, I warrant him----

CHREMES. See yonder's Davus.

SIMO. Ha! whence comes the rogue?

DAVUS. By my assistance, and this stranger's safe. (_To himself._)

SIMO. What mischief's this? (_Listening._)

DAVUS. A more commodious man,
Arriving just in season, at a time
So critical, I never knew. (_To himself._)

SIMO. A knave!
Who's that he praises? (_Listening._)

DAVUS. All is now secure. (_To himself._)

SIMO. Why don't I speak to him?

DAVUS. My master here! (_Turning about._)
What shall I do? (_To himself._)

SIMO. Good Sir, your humble Servant! (_Sneering._)

DAVUS. Oh, Simo! and our Chremes!--All is now
Prepar'd within.

SIMO. You've taken special care. (_Ironically._)

DAVUS. E'en call them when you please.

SIMO. Oh, mighty fine!
That to be sure is all that's wanting now.
--But tell me, Sir! what business had you there? (_Pointing to
GLYCERIUM'S._)

DAVUS. I? (_Confused._)

SIMO. You?

DAVUS. I--? (_Stammering._)

SIMO. You, Sir.

DAVUS. I went in but now. (_Disordered._)

SIMO. As if I ask'd, how long it was ago.

DAVUS. With Pamphilus.

SIMO. Is Pamphilus within?
--Oh torture.--Did not you assure me, Sirrah,
They were at variance?

DAVUS. So they are.

SIMO. Why then
Is Pamphilus within?

CHREMES. Oh, why d'ye think?
He's gone to quarrel with her. (_Sneering._)

DAVUS. Nay, but Chremes,
There's more in this, and you shall hear strange news.
There's an old countryman, I know not who,
Is just arriv'd here; confident and shrewd;
His look bespeaks him of some consequence.
A grave severity is in his face,
And credit in his words.

SIMO. What story now?

DAVUS. Nay, nothing, Sir, but what I heard him say.

SIMO