ival of Pamphilus. Do you hear what I
say, Scirtus? If he asks for me, then you are to say {so}; if he does
not, {why}, say nothing at all; so that at another time I may be able
to employ that excuse as a new one. (_Comes forward, and looking
around._)--But is it my dear Philotis that I see? How has she come
{here}? (_Accosting her._) Philotis heartily good-morrow.

PHIL. O, good-morrow, Parmeno.

SYR. By my troth, good-morrow, Parmeno.

PAR. I'faith, Syra, the same to you. Philotis, tell me, where have you
been enjoying yourself so long?

PHIL. For my part, indeed, I have been far from enjoying myself, in
leaving this place for Corinth with a most brutal captain; for two
whole years, there, had I to put up with him to my sorrow.

PAR. I'troth, I fancy that regret for Athens full oft possessed you,
and that you thought but poorly of your foresight.

PHIL. It can not be expressed how impatient I was to return hither,
get rid of the captain, and see yourselves here, that after our old
fashion I might at my ease enjoy the merry-makings among you; for
there it was not allowed {me} to speak, except at {the moment}
prescribed, {and} on such subjects as he chose.

PAR. (_sarcastically._) I don't think it was gallant in the captain to
place a restraint on your tongue.

PHIL. But what is this piece of business that Bacchis has just now
been telling me in-doors here? (_pointing to her house._) {A thing} I
never supposed would come to pass, that he, in her lifetime, could
possibly prevail upon his feelings to take a wife.

PAR. To take, indeed!

PHIL. Why, look you, has he not taken one?

PAR. He has; but I doubt whether this match will be lasting.

PHIL. May the Gods and Goddesses grant it so, if it is for the
advantage of Bacchis. But why am I to believe it is so? Tell me,
Parmeno.

PAR. There is no need for its being spread abroad; ask me no more
about it.

PHIL. For fear, I suppose, it may be made public. So may the Gods
prosper me, I do not ask you in order that I may spread it abroad, but
that, in silence, I may rejoice within myself.

PAR. You'll never speak me so fairly, that I shall trust my back to
your discretion.

PHIL. Oh, don't {say so}, Parmeno;[27] as though you were not much
more impatient to tell me this, than I to learn what I'm inquiring
about.

PAR. (_to himself._) She tells the truth there; and that is my
greatest failing. (_To PHILOTIS._) If you give me your word that
you'll keep it a