mstances
are suspicious,[74] to I know not what degree; they take every thing
too readily as an affront; they fancy themselves trifled with on
account of their helpless condition; therefore it will be more
satisfactory for you to justify him to them yourself. (_They go into
the house of SOSTRATA._)

SCENE V.

_Enter AESCHINUS._

I am quite distracted in mind! for this misfortune so unexpectedly to
befall me, that I neither know what to do with myself, or how to act!
My limbs are enfeebled through fear, my faculties bewildered with
apprehension; no counsel is able to find a place within my breast.
Alas! how to extricate myself from this perplexity I know not; so
strong a suspicion has taken possession of them about me; not without
some reason too: Sostrata believes that I have purchased this
Music-girl for {myself}: the old woman informed me of that. For by
accident, when she was sent for the midwife, I saw her, and at once
went up to her. "How is Pamphila?" I inquired; "is her delivery at
hand? Is it for that she is sending for the midwife?" "Away, away,
AEschinus," cries she; "you have deceived us long enough; already have
your promises disappointed us sufficiently." "Ha!" said I; "pray what
is the meaning of this?" "Farewell," {she cries}; "keep to her who is
your choice." I instantly guessed what it was they suspected, but
still I checked myself, that I might not be telling that gossip any
thing about my brother, whereby it might be divulged. Now what am I to
do? Shall I say she is for my brother, a thing that ought by no means
to be repeated any where? However, let that pass. It is possible it
might go no further. I am afraid they would not believe it, so many
probabilities concur {against it}: 'twas I myself carried her off;
'twas I, my own self, that paid the money {for her}; 'twas my own
house she was carried to. This I confess has been entirely my own
fault. Ought I not to have disclosed this affair, just as it happened,
to my father? I might have obtained his consent to marry her. I have
been too negligent hitherto; henceforth, then, arouse yourself,
AEschinus. This then is the first thing; to go to them and clear
myself. I'll approach the door. (_Advances to the door of SOSTRATA'S
house._) Confusion! I always tremble most dreadfully when I go to
knock at that {door}. (_Knocking and calling to them within._) Ho
there, ho there! it is AEschinus; open the door immediately, some one.
(_The door opens._) S