Girl From Andros | Performance

A master commends his servant for loyalty and secrecy, reflecting on their past when he bought her as a slave and later gave her freedom. He reveals the charade of a wedding, intending to manipulate his son Pamphilus, who had seemed content in life but has now secretly fallen in love with a poor girl from Andros. This girl's virtue initially protected her from poverty's grasp, but she eventually became entangled with suitors, including Pamphilus.

The master shows concern at Pamphilus' involvement with a girl named Chrysis who recently died, observing his son's deep emotional turmoil. At her funeral, he discovers Pamphilus' affection for her sister, Glycerium. Unsure of how to confront Pamphilus, the master hesitates to rebuke him but resolves to test his intentions with a staged wedding, hoping to uncover his true feelings.

A servant, Davos, anticipates the master's displeasure towards the wedding's cancellation and fears punishment. The master, Socrates, acknowledges his lenient parenting, requesting Davos to guide Pamphilus towards marriage. However, he warns Davos against thwarting the wedding, threatening severe consequences if he does. Davos weighs the dilemma of aiding Pamphilus for love or complying with the master's plans.

Davos contemplates the predicament of Pamphilus' concealed love and the master's expectations. As Pamphilus struggles with the impending wedding, he feels trapped between his love for Glycerium and his father's will. Meanwhile, a rumor insinuates Glycerium may be Athenian, complicating matters further. Davos schemes around the wedding plot, fearing repercussions while hoping for a favorable turn.

Pamphilus is distraught over the sudden wedding plans, feeling betrayed by his father and the prospect of losing Glycerium. As he contemplates the choices between filial duty and personal love, Myrrhine, Glycerium's maid, affirms her mistress's distressed state and urges Pamphilus to stay committed. Davos plans to maneuver through the situation to prevent the wedding.

Pamphilus and Charinus, another suitor caught in the wedding pretense, lament their doomed loves. They plot to delay the ceremony, seeking reprieve from the imposed marriage contracts. Despite the complications, Pamphilus vows his devotion to Glycerium, determined not to comply with his father's arrangement. Davos supports them, promising to outwit the master and annul the wedding.

Pamphilus expresses gratitude for escaping the unwanted marriage, owing to Charinus and Davos’ resourcefulness. Davos pretends to be loyal to both sides, planning to secretly support Pamphilus while appeasing his master. The plot thickens as the protagonists hope for a resolution where love triumphs over arranged duty.

Knowing that Pamphilus' father arranged the wedding for leverage over his son’s relationship, Davos attempts to turn the event in their favor by pretending compliance. He acknowledges the need for careful navigation, understanding the stakes if the wedding were legitimate. Davos’ duplicity aims to let love emerge victorious while keeping the illusion of duty intact.

Socrates, Pamphilus’ father, persists with the wedding plan, unaware of the covert maneuvers. Despite the facade, he is confused by the absence of typical wedding preparations. Davos reassures him of Pamphilus' compliance, whereas the reality is far more complex. Meanwhile, gossip grows around Glycerium, alleging Athenian heritage, further unsettling Socrates.

Davos maintains his deceptive facade, distracting the master while supporting Pamphilus. As events unfold, the truth about Glycerium's background surfaces. Myrrhine mentions Glycerium's foreign birth, hinting her legitimacy within Athenian society. Socrates is confounded by the twists and turns, trying to decipher truth from deceit while navigating the emotional labyrinth surrounding his son.

Knowledge of Glycerium’s real background causes a stir, potentially legitimizing her relationship with Pamphilus. Davos finds himself entangled in the unraveling scenario, pondering his next move. The impending revelation tantalizes all involved, promising resolution or disaster. Davos hopes to transform the distressing situation into an opportunity for his young master.

The narrative climaxes with revelations on Glycerium's parentage aligning with Athenian heritage, turning the previous plans on their head. This unexpected discovery shocks the master, as it alters Pamphilus' societal obligations and possibilities. The truth reshapes their lives, seemingly orchestrated by fate as much as human maneuvers.

Pamphilus leverages the revelation to assert his independence, determined to fulfill his love for Glycerium. The newfound legitimacy influences societal views, suggesting a lawful and cherished union. As past suspicions dissolve, Pamphilus’ path to happiness becomes tangible amid prior confusion.

Davos’ careful orchestration appears successful as Pamphilus’ objections are overruled by emerging family truths. Socrates grapples with the outcome, oscillating between anger and acceptance. He remains steadfast in his resolve, though overwhelmed by the fast-paced changes.

Consensus grows in favor of Pamphilus and Glycerium's marriage, with approval from both families contingent on revealed truths. They celebrate the potential union as a bridging of old divides. Davos revels in his artful negotiation, having aligned circumstances to favor Pamphilus, ensuring personal and shared victories.