Early Modern Drama · Character Archetypes

BYRRIA

in Andria (The Woman from Andros) — Kyffin, Maurice, trans.; Terence (Publius Terentius Afer)

Metadata

PlayAndria (The Woman from Andros)
AuthorKyffin, Maurice, trans.; Terence (Publius Terentius Afer)
Year (catalogued)1588
First performance1588
Decade1580s
GenreComedy
Play typeCloset Translation
Speech prefix(es)Byr.
Words375
Characters1809
Typicality0.30 (cosine to cluster centroid)
TCP idA13611
BritDrama no.791
ClusterCluster 23 — Gulls, fops & laughing-stocks

Important excerpts

No keyword-matching excerpt could be extracted (the cluster label doesn't share vocabulary with this character's speech).

Full speech

Yea, even so. I herd it of Davus but a little while since, at the market place. I pray you Sir for Gods sake, sith you cannot have what you would, that you will have what you may. Alas how much better were it for you, to seek to wear this love out of your mind, than to utter forth such speeches, whereby your desire is kindled more and more in vain. Well, go too then, do as you list. What will he now do? That somewhat, will prove joust nothing. Yes, what else? though you obtain nothing at his hands, that yet he may think you ready to make him cuckold, if he do marry her. I will. He is in love with your Bride. Yes truly, and that with a very good will. Oh Good God, what good news do I bring with me, But where shall I now find Pamphilus, that I may release him from that fear he is in, and fill his heart with joy. Byrria says this to himself out of their hearing. Now fear I of our side, how this man will answer. All the speech of Byrria in this Scene, is either to him self, or to the Audiens: and not to any of the speakers. Out alas. What did he answer? As far as I here, my master is Like to leap be side his wife. Is there no trust to be put in any man, for any thing in the world? Every man for himself and God for us all. That same is a true saying which is commonly used: Every man wishes more good to himself than to and other. I my self have seen that same maiden, and I remember she was of a good love lie favour: Therefore I blame not Pamphilus so much though he had leaver, lie colling of her himself a nights, than that my Master should: well, I will go show all to my Master, that for these ill news he may give me ill language. This he speak eth to the au diens. N Owe thinks the old man verily, that I bring some fly shift to beguile him, and that I stayed here therefore of purpose.

Plot summary

Plot — Andria (The Woman from Andros)
Simo has given his son Pamphilus free rein upon his coming of age, in order to allow his character to develop freely; but he is alarmed to discover that he has been paying court to Glycerie, a poor young foreigner, sister to a recently dead courtesan, Chrysis. Although Simo has arranged for him to marry Philumena, the daughter of his neighbour, Chremes, the contract is cancelled when Chremes discovers the intimacy with Glycerie; but Simo intends to press ahead as if the marriage was still going to happen, so that Pamphilus’ refusal to comply may give him an opportunity to assert his paternal authority. The liaison with Glycerie is even more complicated than expected, however: she 1587 is pregnant and about to give birth to Pamphilus’ child. Charinus, who wants to marry Philumena himself, is distraught at the news that she isto marry Pamphilus, but reassured when Pamphilus admits that he doesn’t want her. The observant servant Davus notices that no wedding preparations are being made, and advises Pamphilus to call his father’s bluff by consenting to the marriage. Simo overhears Glycerie giving birth to a baby boy, but, reassured by his son’s submission, convinces himself that it is all a ruse: obviously Pamphilus and Glycerie have had a quarrel, and she is trying to get him back. Thinking it best to get Pamphilus married before such a reconciliation can take place, he persuades Chremes to withdraw his objections—which means that the wedding is now to be for real. Davus takes the baby from Glycerie and allows Chremes to overhear him discussing its paternity; he also repeats a rumour that Glycerie is not a foreigner but a free-born Athenian, whom Pamphilus will therefore be legally obliged to marry. Chremes again withdraws his consent to Pamphilus’ marriage with Philumena; the infuriated Simo has Davus sent to prison. Chrysis’ kinsman Crito arrives to claim her property, and confirms that Glycerie is indeed an Athenian and not - Chrysis’ sister: she arrived on the isle of Andros as a baby in the custody of her uncle, a merchant who died, and was brought up by Chrysis’ parents. The merchant was Chremes’ brother: Glycerie is his daughter, and Pamphilus will have to marry her as he always wanted. A £500 dowry is agreed, Davus is released from prison, and Pamphilus promises to help Charinus persuade Chremes to let him marry Philumena.