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The Comedies of Terence

by Terence

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Act the First

Scene I

Philotis, Syra.

Phi. Now, by my troth, a woman of the town

Scarce ever finds a faithful lover, Syra.

This very Pamphilus, how many times

He swore to Bacchis, swore so solemnly

One could not but believe him, that he never

Would, in her lifetime, marry. See! he’s married.

Syra. I warn you, therefore, and most earnestly

Conjure you, to have pity upon none.

But plunder, fleece, and beggar ev’ry man

That falls into your pow’r.

Phi. What! spare none?

Syra. None.

For know, there is not one of all your sparks

But studies to cajole you with fine speeches,

And have his will as cheaply as he can.

Should not you, then, endeavor to fool them?

Phi. But to treat all alike is wrong.

Syra. What! wrong?

To be reveng’d upon your enemies?

Or to snare those who spread their snares for you?

—Alas! why have not I your youth and beauty,

Or you my sentiments?

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