LACH. They say that he has arrived; let her return.

PAM. (_apart to himself, aloud._) What excuse to make to my father for
not taking her back, I don't know!

LACH. (_turning round._) Who was it I heard speaking here?

PAM. (_apart._) I am resolved to persevere in the course I determined
to pursue.

LACH. 'Tis the very person about whom I was talking to you.

PAM. Health to you, my father.

LACH. Health to you, my son.

PHID. I am glad that you have returned, Pamphilus, and the more
especially so, as you are safe and well.

PAM. I believe you.

LACH. Have you but just arrived?

PAM. Only just now.

LACH. Tell me, what has our cousin Phania left us?

PAM. Why really, i'faith, he was a man very much devoted to pleasure
while he lived; and those who are so, don't much benefit their heirs,
but for themselves leave this commendation: While he lived, he lived
well.[47]

LACH. So then, you have brought home nothing more[48] than a single
sentiment?

PAM. Whatever he has left, we are the gainers by it.

LACH. Why no, it has proved a loss; for I could have wished him alive
and well.

PHID. You may wish that with impunity; he'll never come to life again;
and after all I know which of the two you would prefer.

LACH. Yesterday, he (_pointing to PHIDIPPUS_) desired Philumena to be
fetched to his house. (_Whispers to PHIDIPPUS, nudging him with his
elbow._) Say that you desired it.

PHID. (_aside to LACHES._) Don't punch me so. (_To PAMPHILUS._)
I desired it.

LACH. But he'll now send her home again.

PHID. Of course.

PAM. I know the whole affair, and how it happened; I heard it just
now, on my arrival.

LACH. Then may the Gods confound those spiteful people who told this
news with such readiness!

PAM. (_to PHIDIPPUS._) I am sure that it has been my study, that with
reason no slight might possibly be committed by your family; and if I
were now truthful to mention of how faithful, loving, and tender a
disposition I have proved toward her, I could {do so} truly, did I not
rather wish that you should learn it of herself; for by that method
you will be the more ready to place confidence in my disposition when
she, who is now acting unjustly toward me, speaks favorably of me. And
that through no fault of mine this separation has taken place, I call
the Gods to witness. But since she considers that it is not befitting
her to give way to my mother, and with readiness to conform to her
temper, and as on n