Page:Comedies of Publius Terentius Afer (1870).djvu/32

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14
ANDRIA.
Act I. Sc. 5.

Mys. Unhappy me, what tidings do I hear?

Pam. And Chremes, who withdrew his word, nor would
Grant unto me his daughter. Say has he
Turned round because I am unsuitable?
And is he thus obdurate, to enforce
My separation with Glycerium?
If so, I am undone—past remedy.
Was ever man, I ask, so crossed in love,
Unhappy and unfortunate as I?
O faith of gods and man! Is there no mode
By which I can avoid—escape this tie.
Cursèd alliance. And myself contemned,
Despised, and unconsulted, find it all
A settled thing. Zounds! And am sent for—why?
Now, by my soul! I think she is deformed,
And no one else will have her; therefore, therefore,
They come to me.

Mys. I am frightened of my life.

Pam. My father also—that he should transact
Affairs of so much moment heedlessly.
He met me in the Forum, and he said,
To-day we marry you, my Pamphilus!
Hurry you home. Hurry to hang yourself,
Methought he said to me. I stood aghast,
Without the gift of speech; nor could reply
With reason good nor bad: dumbfounded quite.
Now, had I but foreknown, and been prepared,
And had my reasons and objections ready;
But now I do not know what I can do,
For cares beset me, harrowing my soul.
Love, pity, detestation, duty to

My father, whom I love, and hitherto