o the
house at present, for I see that we are all disagreeable to them.
Yesterday, no one would give Sostrata admittance. If, perchance, the
malady should become worse, which really I could far from wish, for my
master's sake especially, they would at once say that Sostrata's
servant had been in there; they would invent a story that I had
brought some mischief against their lives and persons, in consequence
of which the malady had been increased. My mistress would be blamed,
and I should incur heavy punishment.[37]

SCENE III.

_Enter SOSTRATA._

SOS. (_to herself._) In dreadful alarm, I have for some time heard,
I know not what confusion going on here; I'm sadly afraid Philumena's
illness is getting worse. AEsculapius, I do entreat thee, and thee,
Health,[38] that it may not be so. Now I'll go visit her. (_Approaches
the door._)

PAR. (_coming forward._) Hark you, Sostrata.

SOS. (_turning round._) Well.

PAR. You will again be shut out there.

SOS. What, Parmeno, is it you? I'm undone! wretch that I am, what
shall I do? Am I not to go see the wife of Pamphilus, when she is ill
here next door?

PAR. Not go see her! Don't even send any person for the purpose of
seeing {her}; for I'm of opinion that he who loves a person to whom he
is an object of dislike, commits a double mistake: he himself takes a
useless trouble, and causes annoyance to the other. Besides, your son
went in to see how she is, as soon as he arrived.

SOS. What is it you say? Has Pamphilus arrived?

PAR. He has.

SOS. I give thanks unto the Gods! Well, through that news my spirits
are revived, and anxiety has departed from my heart.

PAR. For this reason, then, I am especially unwilling you should go in
there; for if Philumena's malady at all abates, she will, I am sure,
when they are by themselves, at once tell him all the circumstances;
both what misunderstandings have arisen between you, {and} how the
difference first began. But see, he's coming out-- how sad {he looks}!

SCENE IV.

_Re-enter PAMPHILUS, from the house of PHIDIPPUS._

SOS. (_running up to him._) O my son! (_Embraces him._)

PAM. My mother, blessings on you.

SOS. I rejoice that you are returned safe. Is Philumena in a fair way?

PAM. She is a little better. (_Weeping._)

SOS. Would that the Gods may grant it so! Why, then, do you weep, or
why so dejected?

PAM. All's well, mother.

SOS. What meant that confusion? Tell me; was she suddenly taken ill