Terence, Andria front.subject_2

This brings us to the point at which the action of the play commences. Simo determines to tell Pamphilus that he is to be married to Philumena, hoping to place him in a dilemma; for if he refused, then he could take him severely to task; if he consented, then Chremes might be gained over, and after all the match might take place. Accordingly he tells Pamphilus by the way in the Forum that he is to be married that very day. Pamphilus returns home in amazement; but is met by Mysis, servant of Glycerium, who revives his old affection for her mistress. Davus meanwhile sifts the whole matter to the bottom; finds that the marriage is a pretence, and accordingly recommends Pamphilus to humour his father to the utmost, and express his entire readiness to marry as soon as he pleases. At the same time he is to keep up his intimacy with Glycerium, that Chremes may be as shy of his connexion as he is now. Meanwhile there is a by-plot at work. One Charinus, a friend of Pamphilus, who is in love with Philumena, hears with dismay that she is to be married to his friend, and urges him to do all in his power to defer the marriage if possible. So affairs stand when Glycerium is brought to bed of a son, Simo, who hears what is going on, imagining, and being confirmed by Davus in the belief, that this is merely an artifice of Glycerium and her friends to prevent Pamphilus’ marriage. He accordingly again treats with Chremes on the subject of the marriage of Pamphilus and Philumena, and extorts a reluctant consent. This places Davus in a great strait; for Pamphilus now reproaches him with his untoward advice, which has got him into this mischief; and Charinus too is indignant to the last degree at the treachery of Pamphilus. As a last resource Davus places the child before Simo’s door, and contrives that Chremes shall hear its history from Mysis. This causes a fresh rupture between Chremes and Simo. At this moment there arrives a native of Andros, Crito, next of kin to Chrysis, who has come to Athens to claim her property. He clears up the previous history of Glycerium, who is joyfully recognized as Chremes’ daughter, and all parties are made happy; Simo being with some difficulty gained over to forgive past offences, and to receive his son and Davus into favour again.