Dem.With how much care, and what solicitude,My son affects me, with this wretched matchHaving embroil’d himself and me! nor comesInto my sight, that I might know at leastOr what he says, or thinks of this affair.Go you, and see if he’s come home or no.Geta.I’m gone.Exit.Dem.You see, Sirs, how this matter stands.What shall I do? Say, Hegio!Hegio.Meaning me?Cratinus, please you, should speak first.Dem.Say then,Cratinus!Cra.Me d’ye question?Dem.You.Cra.Then I,Whatever steps are best I’d have you take.Thus it appears to me. Whate’er your sonHas in your absence done is null and void,In law and equity.—And so you’ll find.That’s my opinion.Dem.Say now, Hegio!Hegio.He has, I think, pronounc’d most learnedly.But so ’tis: many men, and many minds!Each has his fancy: Now, in my opinion,Whate’er is done by law can’t be undone.’Tis shameful to attempt it.Dem.Say you, Crito!Crito.The case, I think, asks more deliberation.’Tis a nice point.Hegio.Would you aught else with us?Dem.You’ve utter’d oracles. (Exeunt Lawyers.) I’m more uncertainNow than I was before.Re-enterGeta.Geta.He’s not return’d.Dem.My brother, as I hope, will soon arrive:Whate’er advice he gives me, that I’ll follow.I’ll to the Port, and ask when they expect him. (Exit.Geta.And I’ll go find out Antipho, and tell himAll that has pass’d.—But here he comes in time.SCENE IV.Enter at a distanceAntipho.Ant.(to himself). Indeed, indeed, my Antipho,You’re much to blame, to be so poor in spirit.What! steal away so guilty-like! and trustYour life and safety to the care of others!Would they be touch’d more nearly than yourself?Come what come might of ev’ry thing beside,Could you abandon the dear maid at home?Could you so far deceive her easy faith,And leave her to misfortune and distress?Her, who plac’d all her hopes in you alone?Geta(coming forward). I’ faith, Sir, we have thought you much to blameFor your long absence.——Ant.You’re the very manThat I was looking for.Geta.—But ne’erthelessWe’ve miss’d no opportunity.Ant.Oh, speak!How go my fortunes, Geta? has my fatherAny suspicion that I was in leagueWith Phormio?Geta.Not a jot.Ant.And may I hope?Geta.I don’t know.Ant.Ah!Geta.Unless that PhædriaDid all he could do for you.——Ant.Nothing new.Geta.—And Phormio has on all occasions else.Prov’d himself a brave fellow.Ant.What did he?Geta.Out-swagger’d your hot father.Ant.Well said, Phormio!Geta.—I did the best I could too.Ant.Honest Geta,I am much bounden to you all.Geta.Thus, Sir,Stand things at present. As yet all is calm.Your father means to wait your uncle’s coming.Ant.For what?Geta.For his advice, as he propos’d;By which he will be rul’d in this affair.Ant.How do I dread my uncle’s coming, Geta.Since by his sentence I must live or die!Geta.But here comes Phædria.Ant.Where?Geta.From his old school. (They retire.)SCENE V.Enter, from Dorio’s,Dorio,Phædriafollowing.Phæd.Nay, hear me, Dorio!Dorio.Not I.Phæd.But a word!Dorio.Let me alone.Phæd.Pray hear me!Dorio.I am tir’dWith hearing the same thing a thousand times.Phæd.But what I’d say you would be glad to hear.Dorio.Speak then! I hear.Phæd.Can’t I prevail on youTo stay but these three days?— Nay, where d’ye go?Dorio.I should have wonder’d had you said aught new.Ant.(behind). This pimp, I fear, will work himself nogood.Geta.I fear so too.Phæd.Won’t you believe me?Dorio.Guess.Phæd.Upon my honor.Dorio.Nonsense.Phæd.’Tis a kindnessShall be repaid with interest.Dorio.Words, words!Phæd.You’ll be glad on’t; you will, believe me.Dorio.Pshaw!Phæd.Try; ’tis not long.Dorio.You’re in the same tune still.Phæd.My kinsman, parent, friend!——Dorio.Aye, talk away.Phæd.Can you be so inflexible, so cruel.That neither pity nor entreaties touch you?Dorio.And can you be so inconsiderate,And so unconscionable, Phædria,To think that you can talk me to your purpose,And wheedle me to give the girl for nothing?Ant.(behind). Poor Phædria!Phæd.(to himself). Alas! he speaks the truth.Geta(toAntipho). How well they each support their characters!Phæd.(to himself). Then that this evil should have comeupon me,When Antipho was in the like distress!Ant.(going up). Ha! what now, Phædria?Phæd.Happy, happy Antipho!——Ant.I?Phæd.Who have her you love in your possession,Nor e’er had plagues like these to struggle with!Ant.In my possession? yes, I have, indeed,As the old saying goes, a wolf by th’ ears:For I can neither part with her nor keep her.Dorio.’Tis just my case with him.Ant.(toDorio). Thou thorough bawd!—(ToPhædria.) What has he done?Phæd.Done?—The inhuman wretchHas sold my Pamphila.Geta.What! sold her?Ant.Sold her?Phæd.Yes; sold her.Dorio(laughing). Sold her.—What a monstrous crime!A wench he paid his ready money for.Phæd.I can’t prevail upon him to wait for me,And to stave off his bargain but three days;Till I obtain the money from my friends,According to their promise.—If I do notPay it you then, don’t wait a moment longer.Dorio.You stun me.Ant.’Tis a very little timeFor which he asks your patience, Dorio.Let him prevail on you; your complaisanceShall be requited doubly.Dorio.Words; mere words!Ant.Can you then bear to see your PamphilaTorn from this city, Phædria?—Can you, Dorio,Divide their lovesDorio.Nor I, nor you.Geta.Plague on you!Dorio(toPhædria). I have, against my natural disposition,Borne with you several months, still promising,Whimpering, and ne’er performing any thing:Now, on the contrary, I’ve found a spark,Who’ll prove a ready-paymaster, no sniveler:Give place then to your betters!Ant.Surely, Phædria,There was, if I remember, a day settledThat you should pay the money down.Phæd.There was.Dorio.Do I deny it?Ant.Is the day past?Dorio.No.But this has come before it.Ant.Infamous!Ar’n’t you asham’d of such base treachery?Dorio.Not I, while I can get by’t.Geta.Scavenger!Phæd.Is this just dealing, Dorio?Dorio.’Tis my way:So, if you like me, use me.Ant.Can you deceive him thus?Dorio.Nay, Antipho,’Tis he deceives me: he was well awareWhat kind of man I was, but I believ’dHim diff’rent. He has disappointed me,But I am still the same to him as ever.However, thus much I can do for him;The Captain promis’d to pay down the moneyTo-morrow morning. But now, Phædria,If you come first, I’ll follow my old rule,“The first to pay shall be first serv’d.” Farewell.Exit.SCENE VI.Phædria,Antipho,Geta.Phæd.What shall I do? Unhappy that I am,How shall I, who am almost worse than nothing,Raise such a sum so suddenly?—Alas!Had I prevail’d on him to wait three days,I had a promise of it.Ant.Shall we, Geta,Suffer my Phædria to be miserable?My best friend Phædria, who but now, you said,Assisted me so heartily?—No—RatherLet us, since there is need, return his kindness!Geta.It is but just, I must confess.Ant.Come then;’Tis you alone can save him.Geta.By what means?Ant.Procure the money.Geta.Willingly: but whence?Ant.My father is arriv’d.Geta.He is: what then?Ant.A word to the wise, Geta!Geta.Say you so?Ant.Ev’n so.Geta.By Hercules, ’tis rare advice.Are you there with me? will it not be triumph,So I but ’scape a scouring for your match,That you must urge me to run risks for him?Ant.He speaks the truth, I must confess.Phæd.How’s that?Am I a stranger to you, Geta?Geta.No:Nor do I hold you such. But is it nothingThat Demipho now rages at us all,That the old man now rages at us all,Unless we irritate him so much furtherAs to preclude all hopes to pacify him?Phæd.Shall then another bear her hence? Ah me!Now then, while I remain, speak to me, Antipho.Behold me!Ant.Wherefore? what is it you mean?Phæd.Wherever she’s convey’d, I’ll follow her;Or perish.Geta.Heaven prosper your designs!—Gently, Sir, gently!Ant.See if you can help him.Geta.Help him! but how?Ant.Nay, think, invent, devise;Lest he do something we repent of, Geta!Geta.I’m thinking. (Pausing.)—Well then I believe, he’s safe.But I’m afraid of mischief.Ant.Never fear:We’ll bear all good and evil fortune with you.Geta.Tell me the sum you have occasion for.Phæd.But thirty minæ.Geta.Thirty! monstrous, Phædria!She’s very dear.Phæd.Dog-cheap.Geta.Well, say no more.I’ll get them for you.Phæd.O brave fellow!Geta.Hence!Phæd.But I shall want it now.Geta.You’ll have it now.But Phormio must assist me in this business.Ant.He’s ready: lay what load you will upon him,He’ll bear it all; for he’s a friend indeed.Geta.Let’s to him quickly then!Ant.D’ye want my help?Geta.We’ve no occasion for you. Get you homeTo the poor girl, who’s almost dead with fear;And see you comfort her.—Away! d’ye loiter?Ant.There’s nothing I would do so willingly.Exit.Phæd.But how will you effect this?Geta.I’ll explainThat matter as we go along.—Away!Exeunt.ACT THE THIRD.SCENE I.EnterDemiphoandChremes.Dem.Well, Chremes, have you brought your daughter with you,On whose account you went to Lemnos?Chrem.No.Dem.Why not?Chrem.Her mother grown, it seems, impatient,Chrem.It seems the mother, grown impatient,Perceiving that I tarried here so long,And that the girl’s age brook’d not my delays,Had journeyed here, they said, in search of me,With her whole family.Dem.Appris’d of this,What kept you there so long then?Chrem.A disease.Dem.How came it? what disease?Chrem.Is that a question?Old age itself is a disease.—However,The master of the ship, who brought them over,Inform’d me of their safe arrivalhither.Dem.Have you heard, Chremes, of my son’s misfortuneDuring my absence?Chrem.Aye; and it confounds me.For to another should I tender her,I must relate the girl’s whole history,And whence arises my connection with her.You I can trust as safely as myself:But if a stranger courts alliance with me,While we’re new friends, he’ll hold his peace perhaps,But if he cools, he’ll know too much of me.Then I’m afraid my wife should know of this;Which if she does, I’ve nothing else to doBut shake myself, and leave my house directly:For I’ve no friend at home except myself.Dem.I know it; and ’tis that which touches me.Nor are there any means I’ll leave untried,Till I have made my promise to you good.SCENE II.Enter, at another part of the stage,Geta.Geta(to himself). I never saw a more shrewd rogue than Phormio.I came to let him know we wanted money,With my device for getting it; and scarceWith my advice for getting it; and scarceHad I related half, but he conceiv’d me.He was o’erjoy’d; commended me; demandedTo meet with Demipho; and thank’d the god;That it was now the time to show himselfAs truly Phædria’s friend as Antipho’s.I bade him wait us at the Forum; whitherI’d bring th’ old gentleman.—And there he is!—But who’s the furthermost? Ha! Phædria’s father.—Yet what was I afraid of, simpleton?That I have got two dupes instead of one?Is it not better that my hopes are doubled?—I’ll attack him, I first propos’d. If heAnswers my expectation, well: if not,Why then have at you, uncle!SCENE III.Enter behind,Antipho.Ant.(to himself). I expectGeta’s arrival presently.—But see!Yonder’s my uncle with my father.—Ah!How do I dread his influence!Geta.I’ll to them.Oh, good Sir Chremes! (Going up.)Chrem.Save you, save you, Geta!Geta.I’m glad to see you safe arriv’d.Chrem.I thank you.Geta.How go affairs?Chrem.A world of changes here,As usual at first coming home again.Geta.True. Have you heard of Antipho’s affair?Chrem.The whole.Geta(toDemipho). Did you inform him, Sir?—’Tis monstrous, Chremes,To he so shamefully impos’d upon!Dem.’Twas on that point I was just talking with him.Geta.And I too, having turn’d it in my thoughts,Have found, I think, a remedy.Dem.How, Geta?What remedy?Geta.On leaving you, by chanceI met with Phormio.Chrem.Who is Phormio?Geta.The girl’s solicitor.Chrem.I understand.Geta.I thought within myself, “suppose I found him!”And taking him aside, “Now prithee, Phormio,Why don’t you try to settle this affairBy fair means rather than by foul?” said I.“My master is a generous gentleman,And hates to go to law. For I assure youHis other friends advis’d him, to a man,To turn this girl directly out o’ doors.”Ant.(behind). What does he mean? or where will all this end?Geta.“The law, you think, will give you damagesIf he attempts to turn her out.—Alas!He has good counsel upon that.—I’ faith,You’ll have hot work if you engage with him;He’s such an orator!—But ev’n supposeThat you should gain your lawsuit, after allThe trial is not for his life, but money.”Perceiving him a little wrought upon,And soften’d by this style of talking with him,“Come now,” continued I, “we’re all alone.Tell me, what money would you take in handTo drop your lawsuit, take away the girl,And trouble us no farther!”Ant.(behind). Is he mad?Geta.—“For I am well convinc’d, that if your termsAre not extravagant and wild indeed,My master’s such a worthy gentleman,You will not change three words between you.”Dem.WhoCommission’d you to say all this?Chrem.Nay, nay,Nothing could be more happy to effectThe point we labor at.Ant.(behind). Undone!Chrem.(toGeta). Go on.Geta.At first he rav’d.Dem.Why, what did he demand?Geta.Too much: as much as came into his head.Chrem.Well, but the sum?Geta.He talk’d of a great talent.Dem.Plague on the rascal! what! has he no shame?Geta.The very thing I said to him.—“SupposeHe was to portion out an only daughter,What could he give her more?—He profits little,Having no daughter of his own; since oneIs found to carry off a fortune from him.”—But to be brief, and not to dwell uponAll his impertinences, he at lastGave me this final answer.—“From the first,I wish’d,” said he, “as was indeed most fit,To wed the daughter of my friend myself.For I was well aware of her misfortune;That, being poor, she would be rather givenIn slavery, than wedlock, to the rich.But I was forc’d, to tell you the plain truth,To take a woman with some little fortune,To pay my debts: and still, if DemiphoIs willing to advance as large a sumAs I’m to have with one I’m now engag’d to.There is no wife I’d rather take than her.”Ant.(behind). Whether through malice or stupidity,He is rank knave or fool, I can not tell.Dem.(toGeta). What, if he owes his soul?Geta.“I have a farm,”Continued he, “that’s mortgag’d for ten minæ.”Dem.Well, let him take her then: I’ll pay the money.Geta."A house for ten more.”Dem.Huy! huy! that’s too much.Chrem.No noise! demand those ten of me.Geta.“My wifeMust buy a maid; some little furnitureIs also requisite; and some expenseTo keep our wedding: all these articles,”Continues he, “we’ll reckon at ten minæ.”Dem.No; let him bring ten thousand writs against me.Dem.No; let him bring a thousand writs against me.I’ll give him nothing. What! afford the villainAn opportunity to laugh at me?Colman’s note on this passage says in part: “I have ... rendered thesexcentasof Terence byTen Thousand, as being most agreeable to the English idiom, as well as the Greek.”Chrem.Nay, but be pacified! I’ll pay the money.Only do you prevail upon your sonTo marry her whom we desire.Ant.(behind). Ah me!Geta, your treachery has ruin’d me.Chrem.She’s put away on my account: ’tis justThat I should pay the money.Geta.“Let me know,”Continues he, “as soon as possible,Whether they mean to have me marry her;That I may part with t’other, and be certain.For t’other girl’s relations have agreedTo pay the portion down immediately.”Chrem.He shall be paid this too immediately.Let him break off with her, and take this girl!Dem.Aye, and the plague go with him!Chrem.LuckilyIt happens I’ve some money here; the rentsOf my wife’s farms at Lemnos. I’ll take that; (toDemipho)And tell my wife that you had need of it.Exeunt.SCENE IV.ManentAntipho,Geta.Ant.(coming forward). Geta!Geta.Ha, Antipho!Ant.What have you done!Geta.Trick’d the old bubbles of their money.Ant.Well,Is that sufficient, think ye?Geta.I can’t tell.’Twas all my orders.Ant.Knave, d’ye shuffle with me? (Kicks him.)Geta.Plague! what d’ye mean?Ant.What do I mean, Sirrah!You’ve driven me to absolute perdition.All pow’rs of heav’n and hell confound you for’t,And make you an example to all villains!—Here! would you have your business duly manag’d,Commit it to this fellow!—What could beMore tender than to touch upon this sore,Or even name my wife? my father’s fill’dWith hopes that she may be dismiss’d.—And then,If Phormio gets the money for the portion,He, to be sure, must marry her.—And whatBecomes of me then?Geta.He’ll not marry her.Ant.Oh, no: but when they redemand the money,On my account he’ll rather go to jail! (Ironically.)Geta.Many a tale is spoiled in telling, Antipho.You take out all the good, and leave the bad.—Now hear the other side—If he receivesThe money, he must wed the girl: I grant it.But then some little time must be allow’dFor wedding-preparation, invitation,And sacrifices.—Meanwhile, Phædria’s friendsAdvance the money they have promis’d him:Which Phormio shall make use of for repayment.Ant.How so? what reason can he give?Geta.What reason?A thousand.—“Since I made this fatal bargain,Omens and prodigies have happen’d to me.There came a strange black dog into my house!A snake fell through the tiling! a hen crow’d!The Soothsayer forbade it! The DivinerCharg’d me to enter on no new affairBefore the winter.”—All sufficient reasons.Thus it shall be.Ant.Pray Heav’n it may be!Geta.It shall.Depend on me:—But here’s your father.—Go;Tell Phædria that the money’s safe.ExitAntipho.SCENE V.Re-enterDemiphoandChremes.Dem.Nay, peace!I’ll warrant he shall play no tricks upon us:I’ll not part rashly with it, I assure you;But pay it before witnesses, recitingTo whom ’tis paid, and why ’tis paid.Geta.How cautious,Where there is no occasion! (Aside.)Chrem.You had need.But haste, dispatch it while the fit’s upon him:For if the other party should be pressing,Perhaps he’ll break with us.Geta.You’ve hit it, Sir.Dem.Carry me to him then.Geta.I wait your pleasure.Chrem.(toDemipho). When this is done, step over to my wife,That she may see the girl before she goes;And tell her, to prevent her being angry,“That we’ve agreed to marry her to Phormio,Her old acquaintance, and a fitter match;That we have not been wanting in our duty,But giv’n as large a portion as he ask’d.”Dem.Pshaw! what’s all this to you?Chrem.A great deal, brother.Dem.Is’t not sufficient to have done your duty,Unless the world approves it?Chrem.I would chooseTo have the whole thing done by her consent,Lest she pretend we turn’d her out o’ doors.Lest she pretend she was turn’d out o’ doors.Dem.Well, I can say all this to her myself.Chrem.A woman deals much better with a woman.Dem.I’ll ask your wife to do it then.ExeuntDemiphoandGeta.Chrem.I’m thinkingWhere I shall find these women now.SCENE VI.EnterSophronaat a distance.Soph.(to herself). Alas!What shall I do, unhappy as I am?Where find a friend? to whom disclose this story?Of whom beseech assistance?—For I fearMy mistress will sustain some injuryFrom following my counsel: the youth’s father,I hear, is so offended at this marriage.Chrem.Who’s this old woman, coming from my brother’s,That seems so terrified?Soph.(to herself). ’Twas povertyCompell’d me to this action: though I knewThis match would hardly hold together long,Yet I advis’d her to it, that meanwhileShe might not want subsistence.Chrem.Surely, surely,Either my mind deceives me, or my eyes fail me,Or that’s my daughter’s nurse.Soph.Nor can we find——Chrem.What shall I do?Soph.—Her father out.Chrem.Were’t bestI should go up to her, or wait a little,To gather something more from her discourse?Soph.Could he be found, my fears were at an end.Chrem.’Tis she. I’ll speak with her.Soph.(overhearing). Whose voice is that?Chrem.Sophrona!Soph.Ha! my name too?Chrem.Look this way.Soph.(turning). Good Heav’n have mercy on us! Stilpho!Chrem.No.Soph.Deny your own name?Chrem.(in a low voice). This way, Sophrona!———A little further from that door!—this way!——And never call me by that name, I charge you.Soph.What, ar’n’t you then the man you said you was? (Aloud.)Chrem.Hist! hist!Soph.What makes you fear those doors so much?Chrem.I have a fury of a wife within:And formerly I went by that false name,Lest she should indiscreetly blab it out,And so my wife might come to hear of this.Soph.Ah! thus it was, that we, alas! poor souls,Could never find you out here.Chrem.Well, but tell me,What business have you with that family? (Pointing.)—Where is your mistress and her daughter?Soph.Ah!Chrem.What now? are they alive?Soph.The daughter is:The mother broke her heart with grief.Chrem.Alas!Soph.And I a poor, unknown, distress’d old woman,Endeavoring to manage for the best,Contriv’d to match the virgin to a youth,Son to the master of this house.Chrem.To Antipho?Soph.The very same.Chrem.What! has he two wives then?Soph.No, mercy on us! he has none but her.Chrem.What is the other then, who, they pretend,Is a relation to him?Soph.This is she.Chrem.How say you?Soph.It was all a mere contrivance:That he, who was in love, might marry herWithout a portion.Chrem.O ye powers of heav’n,How often fortune blindly brings aboutMore than we dare to hope for! Coming home,I’ve found my daughter, even to my wish,Match’d to the very person I desir’d.What we have both been laboring to effect,Has this poor woman all alone accomplish’d.Soph.But now consider what is to be done!The bridegroom’s father is return’d; and he,They say, is much offended at this marriage.Chrem.Be of good comfort: there’s no danger there.But, in the name of heav’n and earth, I charge you,Let nobody discover she’s my daughter.Soph.None shall discover it from me.Chrem.Come then!Follow me in, and you shall hear the rest.Exeunt.ACT THE FOURTH.SCENE I.Demipho,Geta.Dem.’Tis our own fault that we encourage rogues,By overstraining the due characterOf honesty and generosity.“Shoot not beyond the mark,” the proverb goes.Was’t not enough that he had done us wrong,But we must also throw him money too,To live till he devises some new mischief?Geta.Very right!Dem.Knavery’s now its own reward.Geta.Very true!Dem.How like fools have we behav’d!Geta.So as he keeps his word, and takes the girl,’Tis well enough.Dem.Is that a doubt at present?Geta.A man, you know, may change his mind.Dem.How! change?Geta.That I can’t tell: but, if perhaps, I say.Dem.I’ll now perform my promise to my brother,And bring his wife to talk to the young woman.You, Geta, go before, and let her knowNausistrata will come and speak with her.ExitDemipho.SCENE II.Getaalone.The money’s got for Phædria: all is hush’d:And Phanium is not to depart as yet.What more then? where will all this end at last?—Alas! you’re sticking in the same mire still:You’ve only chang’d hands, Geta. The disasterThat hung but now directly over you,Delay perhaps will bring more heavy on you.You’re quite beset, unless you look about.—Now then I’ll home; to lesson Phanium,That she mayn’t stand in fear of Phormio,Nor dread this conf’rence with Nausistrata.Exit.SCENE III.EnterDemiphoandNausistrata.Dem.Come then, Nausistrata, afford us nowA little of your usual art, and tryTo put this woman in good humor with us;That what is done she may do willingly.Naus.I will.Dem.And now assist us with your counsel,As with your cash a little while ago.Naus.With all my heart: and I am only sorryThat ’tis my husband’s fault I can’t do more.Dem.How so?Naus.Because he takes such little careOf the estate my father nurs’d so well:For from these very farms he never fail’dTo draw two talents by the year. But ah!What difference between man and man!Dem.Two talents?Naus.Aye—in worse times than these—and yet two talents?Dem.Huy!Naus.What, are you surpris’d?Dem.Prodigiously.Naus.Would I had been a man! I’d show——Dem.No doubt.Naus.—By what means——Dem.Nay, but spare yourself a littleFor the encounter with the girl: lest she,Flippant and young, may weary you too much.Naus.—Well, I’ll obey your orders: but I seeMy husband coming forth.SCENE IV.EnterChremes, hastily.
Dem.With how much care, and what solicitude,My son affects me, with this wretched matchHaving embroil’d himself and me! nor comesInto my sight, that I might know at leastOr what he says, or thinks of this affair.Go you, and see if he’s come home or no.Geta.I’m gone.Exit.Dem.You see, Sirs, how this matter stands.What shall I do? Say, Hegio!Hegio.Meaning me?Cratinus, please you, should speak first.Dem.Say then,Cratinus!Cra.Me d’ye question?Dem.You.Cra.Then I,Whatever steps are best I’d have you take.Thus it appears to me. Whate’er your sonHas in your absence done is null and void,In law and equity.—And so you’ll find.That’s my opinion.Dem.Say now, Hegio!Hegio.He has, I think, pronounc’d most learnedly.But so ’tis: many men, and many minds!Each has his fancy: Now, in my opinion,Whate’er is done by law can’t be undone.’Tis shameful to attempt it.Dem.Say you, Crito!Crito.The case, I think, asks more deliberation.’Tis a nice point.Hegio.Would you aught else with us?Dem.You’ve utter’d oracles. (Exeunt Lawyers.) I’m more uncertainNow than I was before.Re-enterGeta.Geta.He’s not return’d.Dem.My brother, as I hope, will soon arrive:Whate’er advice he gives me, that I’ll follow.I’ll to the Port, and ask when they expect him. (Exit.Geta.And I’ll go find out Antipho, and tell himAll that has pass’d.—But here he comes in time.
Dem.With how much care, and what solicitude,
My son affects me, with this wretched match
Having embroil’d himself and me! nor comes
Into my sight, that I might know at least
Or what he says, or thinks of this affair.
Go you, and see if he’s come home or no.
Geta.I’m gone.
Exit.
Dem.You see, Sirs, how this matter stands.
What shall I do? Say, Hegio!
Hegio.Meaning me?
Cratinus, please you, should speak first.
Dem.Say then,
Cratinus!
Cra.Me d’ye question?
Dem.You.
Cra.Then I,
Whatever steps are best I’d have you take.
Thus it appears to me. Whate’er your son
Has in your absence done is null and void,
In law and equity.—And so you’ll find.
That’s my opinion.
Dem.Say now, Hegio!
Hegio.He has, I think, pronounc’d most learnedly.
But so ’tis: many men, and many minds!
Each has his fancy: Now, in my opinion,
Whate’er is done by law can’t be undone.
’Tis shameful to attempt it.
Dem.Say you, Crito!
Crito.The case, I think, asks more deliberation.
’Tis a nice point.
Hegio.Would you aught else with us?
Dem.You’ve utter’d oracles. (Exeunt Lawyers.) I’m more uncertain
Now than I was before.
Re-enterGeta.
Geta.He’s not return’d.
Dem.My brother, as I hope, will soon arrive:
Whate’er advice he gives me, that I’ll follow.
I’ll to the Port, and ask when they expect him. (Exit.
Geta.And I’ll go find out Antipho, and tell him
All that has pass’d.—But here he comes in time.
Enter at a distanceAntipho.
Ant.(to himself). Indeed, indeed, my Antipho,You’re much to blame, to be so poor in spirit.What! steal away so guilty-like! and trustYour life and safety to the care of others!Would they be touch’d more nearly than yourself?Come what come might of ev’ry thing beside,Could you abandon the dear maid at home?Could you so far deceive her easy faith,And leave her to misfortune and distress?Her, who plac’d all her hopes in you alone?Geta(coming forward). I’ faith, Sir, we have thought you much to blameFor your long absence.——Ant.You’re the very manThat I was looking for.Geta.—But ne’erthelessWe’ve miss’d no opportunity.Ant.Oh, speak!How go my fortunes, Geta? has my fatherAny suspicion that I was in leagueWith Phormio?Geta.Not a jot.Ant.And may I hope?Geta.I don’t know.Ant.Ah!Geta.Unless that PhædriaDid all he could do for you.——Ant.Nothing new.Geta.—And Phormio has on all occasions else.Prov’d himself a brave fellow.Ant.What did he?Geta.Out-swagger’d your hot father.Ant.Well said, Phormio!Geta.—I did the best I could too.Ant.Honest Geta,I am much bounden to you all.Geta.Thus, Sir,Stand things at present. As yet all is calm.Your father means to wait your uncle’s coming.Ant.For what?Geta.For his advice, as he propos’d;By which he will be rul’d in this affair.Ant.How do I dread my uncle’s coming, Geta.Since by his sentence I must live or die!Geta.But here comes Phædria.Ant.Where?Geta.From his old school. (They retire.)
Ant.(to himself). Indeed, indeed, my Antipho,
You’re much to blame, to be so poor in spirit.
What! steal away so guilty-like! and trust
Your life and safety to the care of others!
Would they be touch’d more nearly than yourself?
Come what come might of ev’ry thing beside,
Could you abandon the dear maid at home?
Could you so far deceive her easy faith,
And leave her to misfortune and distress?
Her, who plac’d all her hopes in you alone?
Geta(coming forward). I’ faith, Sir, we have thought you much to blame
For your long absence.——
Ant.You’re the very man
That I was looking for.
Geta.—But ne’ertheless
We’ve miss’d no opportunity.
Ant.Oh, speak!
How go my fortunes, Geta? has my father
Any suspicion that I was in league
With Phormio?
Geta.Not a jot.
Ant.And may I hope?
Geta.I don’t know.
Ant.Ah!
Geta.Unless that Phædria
Did all he could do for you.——
Ant.Nothing new.
Geta.—And Phormio has on all occasions else.
Prov’d himself a brave fellow.
Ant.What did he?
Geta.Out-swagger’d your hot father.
Ant.Well said, Phormio!
Geta.—I did the best I could too.
Ant.Honest Geta,
I am much bounden to you all.
Geta.Thus, Sir,
Stand things at present. As yet all is calm.
Your father means to wait your uncle’s coming.
Ant.For what?
Geta.For his advice, as he propos’d;
By which he will be rul’d in this affair.
Ant.How do I dread my uncle’s coming, Geta.
Since by his sentence I must live or die!
Geta.But here comes Phædria.
Ant.Where?
Geta.From his old school. (They retire.)
Enter, from Dorio’s,Dorio,Phædriafollowing.
Phæd.Nay, hear me, Dorio!Dorio.Not I.Phæd.But a word!Dorio.Let me alone.Phæd.Pray hear me!Dorio.I am tir’dWith hearing the same thing a thousand times.Phæd.But what I’d say you would be glad to hear.Dorio.Speak then! I hear.Phæd.Can’t I prevail on youTo stay but these three days?— Nay, where d’ye go?Dorio.I should have wonder’d had you said aught new.Ant.(behind). This pimp, I fear, will work himself nogood.Geta.I fear so too.Phæd.Won’t you believe me?Dorio.Guess.Phæd.Upon my honor.Dorio.Nonsense.Phæd.’Tis a kindnessShall be repaid with interest.Dorio.Words, words!Phæd.You’ll be glad on’t; you will, believe me.Dorio.Pshaw!Phæd.Try; ’tis not long.Dorio.You’re in the same tune still.Phæd.My kinsman, parent, friend!——Dorio.Aye, talk away.Phæd.Can you be so inflexible, so cruel.That neither pity nor entreaties touch you?Dorio.And can you be so inconsiderate,And so unconscionable, Phædria,To think that you can talk me to your purpose,And wheedle me to give the girl for nothing?Ant.(behind). Poor Phædria!Phæd.(to himself). Alas! he speaks the truth.Geta(toAntipho). How well they each support their characters!Phæd.(to himself). Then that this evil should have comeupon me,When Antipho was in the like distress!Ant.(going up). Ha! what now, Phædria?Phæd.Happy, happy Antipho!——Ant.I?Phæd.Who have her you love in your possession,Nor e’er had plagues like these to struggle with!Ant.In my possession? yes, I have, indeed,As the old saying goes, a wolf by th’ ears:For I can neither part with her nor keep her.Dorio.’Tis just my case with him.Ant.(toDorio). Thou thorough bawd!—(ToPhædria.) What has he done?Phæd.Done?—The inhuman wretchHas sold my Pamphila.Geta.What! sold her?Ant.Sold her?Phæd.Yes; sold her.Dorio(laughing). Sold her.—What a monstrous crime!A wench he paid his ready money for.Phæd.I can’t prevail upon him to wait for me,And to stave off his bargain but three days;Till I obtain the money from my friends,According to their promise.—If I do notPay it you then, don’t wait a moment longer.Dorio.You stun me.Ant.’Tis a very little timeFor which he asks your patience, Dorio.Let him prevail on you; your complaisanceShall be requited doubly.Dorio.Words; mere words!Ant.Can you then bear to see your PamphilaTorn from this city, Phædria?—Can you, Dorio,Divide their lovesDorio.Nor I, nor you.Geta.Plague on you!Dorio(toPhædria). I have, against my natural disposition,Borne with you several months, still promising,Whimpering, and ne’er performing any thing:Now, on the contrary, I’ve found a spark,Who’ll prove a ready-paymaster, no sniveler:Give place then to your betters!Ant.Surely, Phædria,There was, if I remember, a day settledThat you should pay the money down.Phæd.There was.Dorio.Do I deny it?Ant.Is the day past?Dorio.No.But this has come before it.Ant.Infamous!Ar’n’t you asham’d of such base treachery?Dorio.Not I, while I can get by’t.Geta.Scavenger!Phæd.Is this just dealing, Dorio?Dorio.’Tis my way:So, if you like me, use me.Ant.Can you deceive him thus?Dorio.Nay, Antipho,’Tis he deceives me: he was well awareWhat kind of man I was, but I believ’dHim diff’rent. He has disappointed me,But I am still the same to him as ever.However, thus much I can do for him;The Captain promis’d to pay down the moneyTo-morrow morning. But now, Phædria,If you come first, I’ll follow my old rule,“The first to pay shall be first serv’d.” Farewell.Exit.
Phæd.Nay, hear me, Dorio!
Dorio.Not I.
Phæd.But a word!
Dorio.Let me alone.
Phæd.Pray hear me!
Dorio.I am tir’d
With hearing the same thing a thousand times.
Phæd.But what I’d say you would be glad to hear.
Dorio.Speak then! I hear.
Phæd.Can’t I prevail on you
To stay but these three days?— Nay, where d’ye go?
Dorio.I should have wonder’d had you said aught new.
Ant.(behind). This pimp, I fear, will work himself no
good.
Geta.I fear so too.
Phæd.Won’t you believe me?
Dorio.Guess.
Phæd.Upon my honor.
Dorio.Nonsense.
Phæd.’Tis a kindness
Shall be repaid with interest.
Dorio.Words, words!
Phæd.You’ll be glad on’t; you will, believe me.
Dorio.Pshaw!
Phæd.Try; ’tis not long.
Dorio.You’re in the same tune still.
Phæd.My kinsman, parent, friend!——
Dorio.Aye, talk away.
Phæd.Can you be so inflexible, so cruel.
That neither pity nor entreaties touch you?
Dorio.And can you be so inconsiderate,
And so unconscionable, Phædria,
To think that you can talk me to your purpose,
And wheedle me to give the girl for nothing?
Ant.(behind). Poor Phædria!
Phæd.(to himself). Alas! he speaks the truth.
Geta(toAntipho). How well they each support their characters!
Phæd.(to himself). Then that this evil should have come
upon me,
When Antipho was in the like distress!
Ant.(going up). Ha! what now, Phædria?
Phæd.Happy, happy Antipho!——
Ant.I?
Phæd.Who have her you love in your possession,
Nor e’er had plagues like these to struggle with!
Ant.In my possession? yes, I have, indeed,
As the old saying goes, a wolf by th’ ears:
For I can neither part with her nor keep her.
Dorio.’Tis just my case with him.
Ant.(toDorio). Thou thorough bawd!
—(ToPhædria.) What has he done?
Phæd.Done?—The inhuman wretch
Has sold my Pamphila.
Geta.What! sold her?
Ant.Sold her?
Phæd.Yes; sold her.
Dorio(laughing). Sold her.—What a monstrous crime!
A wench he paid his ready money for.
Phæd.I can’t prevail upon him to wait for me,
And to stave off his bargain but three days;
Till I obtain the money from my friends,
According to their promise.—If I do not
Pay it you then, don’t wait a moment longer.
Dorio.You stun me.
Ant.’Tis a very little time
For which he asks your patience, Dorio.
Let him prevail on you; your complaisance
Shall be requited doubly.
Dorio.Words; mere words!
Ant.Can you then bear to see your Pamphila
Torn from this city, Phædria?—Can you, Dorio,
Divide their loves
Dorio.Nor I, nor you.
Geta.Plague on you!
Dorio(toPhædria). I have, against my natural disposition,
Borne with you several months, still promising,
Whimpering, and ne’er performing any thing:
Now, on the contrary, I’ve found a spark,
Who’ll prove a ready-paymaster, no sniveler:
Give place then to your betters!
Ant.Surely, Phædria,
There was, if I remember, a day settled
That you should pay the money down.
Phæd.There was.
Dorio.Do I deny it?
Ant.Is the day past?
Dorio.No.
But this has come before it.
Ant.Infamous!
Ar’n’t you asham’d of such base treachery?
Dorio.Not I, while I can get by’t.
Geta.Scavenger!
Phæd.Is this just dealing, Dorio?
Dorio.’Tis my way:
So, if you like me, use me.
Ant.Can you deceive him thus?
Dorio.Nay, Antipho,
’Tis he deceives me: he was well aware
What kind of man I was, but I believ’d
Him diff’rent. He has disappointed me,
But I am still the same to him as ever.
However, thus much I can do for him;
The Captain promis’d to pay down the money
To-morrow morning. But now, Phædria,
If you come first, I’ll follow my old rule,
“The first to pay shall be first serv’d.” Farewell.
Exit.
Phædria,Antipho,Geta.
Phæd.What shall I do? Unhappy that I am,How shall I, who am almost worse than nothing,Raise such a sum so suddenly?—Alas!Had I prevail’d on him to wait three days,I had a promise of it.Ant.Shall we, Geta,Suffer my Phædria to be miserable?My best friend Phædria, who but now, you said,Assisted me so heartily?—No—RatherLet us, since there is need, return his kindness!Geta.It is but just, I must confess.Ant.Come then;’Tis you alone can save him.Geta.By what means?Ant.Procure the money.Geta.Willingly: but whence?Ant.My father is arriv’d.Geta.He is: what then?Ant.A word to the wise, Geta!Geta.Say you so?Ant.Ev’n so.Geta.By Hercules, ’tis rare advice.Are you there with me? will it not be triumph,So I but ’scape a scouring for your match,That you must urge me to run risks for him?Ant.He speaks the truth, I must confess.Phæd.How’s that?Am I a stranger to you, Geta?Geta.No:Nor do I hold you such. But is it nothingThat Demipho now rages at us all,That the old man now rages at us all,Unless we irritate him so much furtherAs to preclude all hopes to pacify him?Phæd.Shall then another bear her hence? Ah me!Now then, while I remain, speak to me, Antipho.Behold me!Ant.Wherefore? what is it you mean?Phæd.Wherever she’s convey’d, I’ll follow her;Or perish.Geta.Heaven prosper your designs!—Gently, Sir, gently!Ant.See if you can help him.Geta.Help him! but how?Ant.Nay, think, invent, devise;Lest he do something we repent of, Geta!Geta.I’m thinking. (Pausing.)—Well then I believe, he’s safe.But I’m afraid of mischief.Ant.Never fear:We’ll bear all good and evil fortune with you.Geta.Tell me the sum you have occasion for.Phæd.But thirty minæ.Geta.Thirty! monstrous, Phædria!She’s very dear.Phæd.Dog-cheap.Geta.Well, say no more.I’ll get them for you.Phæd.O brave fellow!Geta.Hence!Phæd.But I shall want it now.Geta.You’ll have it now.But Phormio must assist me in this business.Ant.He’s ready: lay what load you will upon him,He’ll bear it all; for he’s a friend indeed.Geta.Let’s to him quickly then!Ant.D’ye want my help?Geta.We’ve no occasion for you. Get you homeTo the poor girl, who’s almost dead with fear;And see you comfort her.—Away! d’ye loiter?Ant.There’s nothing I would do so willingly.Exit.Phæd.But how will you effect this?Geta.I’ll explainThat matter as we go along.—Away!Exeunt.
Phæd.What shall I do? Unhappy that I am,
How shall I, who am almost worse than nothing,
Raise such a sum so suddenly?—Alas!
Had I prevail’d on him to wait three days,
I had a promise of it.
Ant.Shall we, Geta,
Suffer my Phædria to be miserable?
My best friend Phædria, who but now, you said,
Assisted me so heartily?—No—Rather
Let us, since there is need, return his kindness!
Geta.It is but just, I must confess.
Ant.Come then;
’Tis you alone can save him.
Geta.By what means?
Ant.Procure the money.
Geta.Willingly: but whence?
Ant.My father is arriv’d.
Geta.He is: what then?
Ant.A word to the wise, Geta!
Geta.Say you so?
Ant.Ev’n so.
Geta.By Hercules, ’tis rare advice.
Are you there with me? will it not be triumph,
So I but ’scape a scouring for your match,
That you must urge me to run risks for him?
Ant.He speaks the truth, I must confess.
Phæd.How’s that?Am I a stranger to you, Geta?Geta.No:Nor do I hold you such. But is it nothingThat Demipho now rages at us all,That the old man now rages at us all,Unless we irritate him so much furtherAs to preclude all hopes to pacify him?Phæd.Shall then another bear her hence? Ah me!Now then, while I remain, speak to me, Antipho.Behold me!
Phæd.How’s that?
Am I a stranger to you, Geta?
Geta.No:
Nor do I hold you such. But is it nothing
That Demipho now rages at us all,
That the old man now rages at us all,
Unless we irritate him so much further
As to preclude all hopes to pacify him?
Phæd.Shall then another bear her hence? Ah me!
Now then, while I remain, speak to me, Antipho.
Behold me!
Ant.Wherefore? what is it you mean?
Phæd.Wherever she’s convey’d, I’ll follow her;
Or perish.
Geta.Heaven prosper your designs!—
Gently, Sir, gently!
Ant.See if you can help him.
Geta.Help him! but how?
Ant.Nay, think, invent, devise;
Lest he do something we repent of, Geta!
Geta.I’m thinking. (Pausing.)—Well then I believe, he’s safe.
But I’m afraid of mischief.
Ant.Never fear:
We’ll bear all good and evil fortune with you.
Geta.Tell me the sum you have occasion for.
Phæd.But thirty minæ.
Geta.Thirty! monstrous, Phædria!
She’s very dear.
Phæd.Dog-cheap.
Geta.Well, say no more.
I’ll get them for you.
Phæd.O brave fellow!
Geta.Hence!
Phæd.But I shall want it now.
Geta.You’ll have it now.
But Phormio must assist me in this business.
Ant.He’s ready: lay what load you will upon him,
He’ll bear it all; for he’s a friend indeed.
Geta.Let’s to him quickly then!
Ant.D’ye want my help?
Geta.We’ve no occasion for you. Get you home
To the poor girl, who’s almost dead with fear;
And see you comfort her.—Away! d’ye loiter?
Ant.There’s nothing I would do so willingly.
Exit.
Phæd.But how will you effect this?
Geta.I’ll explain
That matter as we go along.—Away!
Exeunt.
EnterDemiphoandChremes.
Dem.Well, Chremes, have you brought your daughter with you,On whose account you went to Lemnos?Chrem.No.Dem.Why not?Chrem.Her mother grown, it seems, impatient,Chrem.It seems the mother, grown impatient,Perceiving that I tarried here so long,And that the girl’s age brook’d not my delays,Had journeyed here, they said, in search of me,With her whole family.Dem.Appris’d of this,What kept you there so long then?Chrem.A disease.Dem.How came it? what disease?Chrem.Is that a question?Old age itself is a disease.—However,The master of the ship, who brought them over,Inform’d me of their safe arrivalhither.Dem.Have you heard, Chremes, of my son’s misfortuneDuring my absence?Chrem.Aye; and it confounds me.For to another should I tender her,I must relate the girl’s whole history,And whence arises my connection with her.You I can trust as safely as myself:But if a stranger courts alliance with me,While we’re new friends, he’ll hold his peace perhaps,But if he cools, he’ll know too much of me.Then I’m afraid my wife should know of this;Which if she does, I’ve nothing else to doBut shake myself, and leave my house directly:For I’ve no friend at home except myself.Dem.I know it; and ’tis that which touches me.Nor are there any means I’ll leave untried,Till I have made my promise to you good.
Dem.Well, Chremes, have you brought your daughter with you,On whose account you went to Lemnos?Chrem.No.Dem.Why not?Chrem.Her mother grown, it seems, impatient,Chrem.It seems the mother, grown impatient,Perceiving that I tarried here so long,And that the girl’s age brook’d not my delays,Had journeyed here, they said, in search of me,With her whole family.Dem.Appris’d of this,What kept you there so long then?Chrem.A disease.Dem.How came it? what disease?
Dem.Well, Chremes, have you brought your daughter with you,
On whose account you went to Lemnos?
Chrem.No.
Dem.Why not?
Chrem.Her mother grown, it seems, impatient,
Chrem.It seems the mother, grown impatient,
Perceiving that I tarried here so long,
And that the girl’s age brook’d not my delays,
Had journeyed here, they said, in search of me,
With her whole family.
Dem.Appris’d of this,
What kept you there so long then?
Chrem.A disease.
Dem.How came it? what disease?
Chrem.Is that a question?
Old age itself is a disease.—However,
The master of the ship, who brought them over,
Inform’d me of their safe arrivalhither.
Dem.Have you heard, Chremes, of my son’s misfortune
During my absence?
Chrem.Aye; and it confounds me.
For to another should I tender her,
I must relate the girl’s whole history,
And whence arises my connection with her.
You I can trust as safely as myself:
But if a stranger courts alliance with me,
While we’re new friends, he’ll hold his peace perhaps,
But if he cools, he’ll know too much of me.
Then I’m afraid my wife should know of this;
Which if she does, I’ve nothing else to do
But shake myself, and leave my house directly:
For I’ve no friend at home except myself.
Dem.I know it; and ’tis that which touches me.
Nor are there any means I’ll leave untried,
Till I have made my promise to you good.
Enter, at another part of the stage,Geta.
Geta(to himself). I never saw a more shrewd rogue than Phormio.I came to let him know we wanted money,With my device for getting it; and scarceWith my advice for getting it; and scarceHad I related half, but he conceiv’d me.He was o’erjoy’d; commended me; demandedTo meet with Demipho; and thank’d the god;That it was now the time to show himselfAs truly Phædria’s friend as Antipho’s.I bade him wait us at the Forum; whitherI’d bring th’ old gentleman.—And there he is!—But who’s the furthermost? Ha! Phædria’s father.—Yet what was I afraid of, simpleton?That I have got two dupes instead of one?Is it not better that my hopes are doubled?—I’ll attack him, I first propos’d. If heAnswers my expectation, well: if not,Why then have at you, uncle!
Geta(to himself). I never saw a more shrewd rogue than Phormio.
I came to let him know we wanted money,
With my device for getting it; and scarce
With my advice for getting it; and scarce
Had I related half, but he conceiv’d me.
He was o’erjoy’d; commended me; demanded
To meet with Demipho; and thank’d the god;
That it was now the time to show himself
As truly Phædria’s friend as Antipho’s.
I bade him wait us at the Forum; whither
I’d bring th’ old gentleman.—And there he is!
—But who’s the furthermost? Ha! Phædria’s father.
—Yet what was I afraid of, simpleton?
That I have got two dupes instead of one?
Is it not better that my hopes are doubled?
—I’ll attack him, I first propos’d. If he
Answers my expectation, well: if not,
Why then have at you, uncle!
Enter behind,Antipho.
Ant.(to himself). I expectGeta’s arrival presently.—But see!Yonder’s my uncle with my father.—Ah!How do I dread his influence!Geta.I’ll to them.Oh, good Sir Chremes! (Going up.)Chrem.Save you, save you, Geta!Geta.I’m glad to see you safe arriv’d.Chrem.I thank you.Geta.How go affairs?Chrem.A world of changes here,As usual at first coming home again.Geta.True. Have you heard of Antipho’s affair?Chrem.The whole.Geta(toDemipho). Did you inform him, Sir?—’Tis monstrous, Chremes,To he so shamefully impos’d upon!Dem.’Twas on that point I was just talking with him.Geta.And I too, having turn’d it in my thoughts,Have found, I think, a remedy.Dem.How, Geta?What remedy?Geta.On leaving you, by chanceI met with Phormio.Chrem.Who is Phormio?Geta.The girl’s solicitor.Chrem.I understand.Geta.I thought within myself, “suppose I found him!”And taking him aside, “Now prithee, Phormio,Why don’t you try to settle this affairBy fair means rather than by foul?” said I.“My master is a generous gentleman,And hates to go to law. For I assure youHis other friends advis’d him, to a man,To turn this girl directly out o’ doors.”Ant.(behind). What does he mean? or where will all this end?Geta.“The law, you think, will give you damagesIf he attempts to turn her out.—Alas!He has good counsel upon that.—I’ faith,You’ll have hot work if you engage with him;He’s such an orator!—But ev’n supposeThat you should gain your lawsuit, after allThe trial is not for his life, but money.”Perceiving him a little wrought upon,And soften’d by this style of talking with him,“Come now,” continued I, “we’re all alone.Tell me, what money would you take in handTo drop your lawsuit, take away the girl,And trouble us no farther!”Ant.(behind). Is he mad?Geta.—“For I am well convinc’d, that if your termsAre not extravagant and wild indeed,My master’s such a worthy gentleman,You will not change three words between you.”Dem.WhoCommission’d you to say all this?Chrem.Nay, nay,Nothing could be more happy to effectThe point we labor at.Ant.(behind). Undone!Chrem.(toGeta). Go on.Geta.At first he rav’d.Dem.Why, what did he demand?Geta.Too much: as much as came into his head.Chrem.Well, but the sum?Geta.He talk’d of a great talent.Dem.Plague on the rascal! what! has he no shame?Geta.The very thing I said to him.—“SupposeHe was to portion out an only daughter,What could he give her more?—He profits little,Having no daughter of his own; since oneIs found to carry off a fortune from him.”—But to be brief, and not to dwell uponAll his impertinences, he at lastGave me this final answer.—“From the first,I wish’d,” said he, “as was indeed most fit,To wed the daughter of my friend myself.For I was well aware of her misfortune;That, being poor, she would be rather givenIn slavery, than wedlock, to the rich.But I was forc’d, to tell you the plain truth,To take a woman with some little fortune,To pay my debts: and still, if DemiphoIs willing to advance as large a sumAs I’m to have with one I’m now engag’d to.There is no wife I’d rather take than her.”Ant.(behind). Whether through malice or stupidity,He is rank knave or fool, I can not tell.Dem.(toGeta). What, if he owes his soul?Geta.“I have a farm,”Continued he, “that’s mortgag’d for ten minæ.”Dem.Well, let him take her then: I’ll pay the money.Geta."A house for ten more.”Dem.Huy! huy! that’s too much.Chrem.No noise! demand those ten of me.Geta.“My wifeMust buy a maid; some little furnitureIs also requisite; and some expenseTo keep our wedding: all these articles,”Continues he, “we’ll reckon at ten minæ.”Dem.No; let him bring ten thousand writs against me.Dem.No; let him bring a thousand writs against me.I’ll give him nothing. What! afford the villainAn opportunity to laugh at me?Colman’s note on this passage says in part: “I have ... rendered thesexcentasof Terence byTen Thousand, as being most agreeable to the English idiom, as well as the Greek.”Chrem.Nay, but be pacified! I’ll pay the money.Only do you prevail upon your sonTo marry her whom we desire.Ant.(behind). Ah me!Geta, your treachery has ruin’d me.Chrem.She’s put away on my account: ’tis justThat I should pay the money.Geta.“Let me know,”Continues he, “as soon as possible,Whether they mean to have me marry her;That I may part with t’other, and be certain.For t’other girl’s relations have agreedTo pay the portion down immediately.”Chrem.He shall be paid this too immediately.Let him break off with her, and take this girl!Dem.Aye, and the plague go with him!Chrem.LuckilyIt happens I’ve some money here; the rentsOf my wife’s farms at Lemnos. I’ll take that; (toDemipho)And tell my wife that you had need of it.Exeunt.
Ant.(to himself). I expect
Geta’s arrival presently.—But see!
Yonder’s my uncle with my father.—Ah!
How do I dread his influence!
Geta.I’ll to them.
Oh, good Sir Chremes! (Going up.)
Chrem.Save you, save you, Geta!
Geta.I’m glad to see you safe arriv’d.
Chrem.I thank you.
Geta.How go affairs?
Chrem.A world of changes here,
As usual at first coming home again.
Geta.True. Have you heard of Antipho’s affair?
Chrem.The whole.
Geta(toDemipho). Did you inform him, Sir?—’Tis monstrous, Chremes,
To he so shamefully impos’d upon!
Dem.’Twas on that point I was just talking with him.
Geta.And I too, having turn’d it in my thoughts,
Have found, I think, a remedy.
Dem.How, Geta?
What remedy?
Geta.On leaving you, by chance
I met with Phormio.
Chrem.Who is Phormio?
Geta.The girl’s solicitor.
Chrem.I understand.
Geta.I thought within myself, “suppose I found him!”
And taking him aside, “Now prithee, Phormio,
Why don’t you try to settle this affair
By fair means rather than by foul?” said I.
“My master is a generous gentleman,
And hates to go to law. For I assure you
His other friends advis’d him, to a man,
To turn this girl directly out o’ doors.”
Ant.(behind). What does he mean? or where will all this end?
Geta.“The law, you think, will give you damages
If he attempts to turn her out.—Alas!
He has good counsel upon that.—I’ faith,
You’ll have hot work if you engage with him;
He’s such an orator!—But ev’n suppose
That you should gain your lawsuit, after all
The trial is not for his life, but money.”
Perceiving him a little wrought upon,
And soften’d by this style of talking with him,
“Come now,” continued I, “we’re all alone.
Tell me, what money would you take in hand
To drop your lawsuit, take away the girl,
And trouble us no farther!”
Ant.(behind). Is he mad?
Geta.—“For I am well convinc’d, that if your terms
Are not extravagant and wild indeed,
My master’s such a worthy gentleman,
You will not change three words between you.”
Dem.Who
Commission’d you to say all this?
Chrem.Nay, nay,
Nothing could be more happy to effect
The point we labor at.
Ant.(behind). Undone!
Chrem.(toGeta). Go on.
Geta.At first he rav’d.
Dem.Why, what did he demand?
Geta.Too much: as much as came into his head.
Chrem.Well, but the sum?
Geta.He talk’d of a great talent.
Dem.Plague on the rascal! what! has he no shame?
Geta.The very thing I said to him.—“Suppose
He was to portion out an only daughter,
What could he give her more?—He profits little,
Having no daughter of his own; since one
Is found to carry off a fortune from him.”
—But to be brief, and not to dwell upon
All his impertinences, he at last
Gave me this final answer.—“From the first,
I wish’d,” said he, “as was indeed most fit,
To wed the daughter of my friend myself.
For I was well aware of her misfortune;
That, being poor, she would be rather given
In slavery, than wedlock, to the rich.
But I was forc’d, to tell you the plain truth,
To take a woman with some little fortune,
To pay my debts: and still, if Demipho
Is willing to advance as large a sum
As I’m to have with one I’m now engag’d to.
There is no wife I’d rather take than her.”
Ant.(behind). Whether through malice or stupidity,
He is rank knave or fool, I can not tell.
Dem.(toGeta). What, if he owes his soul?
Geta.“I have a farm,”
Continued he, “that’s mortgag’d for ten minæ.”
Dem.Well, let him take her then: I’ll pay the money.
Geta."A house for ten more.”
Dem.Huy! huy! that’s too much.
Chrem.No noise! demand those ten of me.
Geta.“My wifeMust buy a maid; some little furnitureIs also requisite; and some expenseTo keep our wedding: all these articles,”Continues he, “we’ll reckon at ten minæ.”Dem.No; let him bring ten thousand writs against me.Dem.No; let him bring a thousand writs against me.I’ll give him nothing. What! afford the villainAn opportunity to laugh at me?
Geta.“My wife
Must buy a maid; some little furniture
Is also requisite; and some expense
To keep our wedding: all these articles,”
Continues he, “we’ll reckon at ten minæ.”
Dem.No; let him bring ten thousand writs against me.
Dem.No; let him bring a thousand writs against me.
I’ll give him nothing. What! afford the villain
An opportunity to laugh at me?
Colman’s note on this passage says in part: “I have ... rendered thesexcentasof Terence byTen Thousand, as being most agreeable to the English idiom, as well as the Greek.”
Chrem.Nay, but be pacified! I’ll pay the money.
Only do you prevail upon your son
To marry her whom we desire.
Ant.(behind). Ah me!
Geta, your treachery has ruin’d me.
Chrem.She’s put away on my account: ’tis just
That I should pay the money.
Geta.“Let me know,”
Continues he, “as soon as possible,
Whether they mean to have me marry her;
That I may part with t’other, and be certain.
For t’other girl’s relations have agreed
To pay the portion down immediately.”
Chrem.He shall be paid this too immediately.
Let him break off with her, and take this girl!
Dem.Aye, and the plague go with him!
Chrem.Luckily
It happens I’ve some money here; the rents
Of my wife’s farms at Lemnos. I’ll take that; (toDemipho)
And tell my wife that you had need of it.
Exeunt.
ManentAntipho,Geta.
Ant.(coming forward). Geta!Geta.Ha, Antipho!Ant.What have you done!Geta.Trick’d the old bubbles of their money.Ant.Well,Is that sufficient, think ye?Geta.I can’t tell.’Twas all my orders.Ant.Knave, d’ye shuffle with me? (Kicks him.)Geta.Plague! what d’ye mean?Ant.What do I mean, Sirrah!You’ve driven me to absolute perdition.All pow’rs of heav’n and hell confound you for’t,And make you an example to all villains!—Here! would you have your business duly manag’d,Commit it to this fellow!—What could beMore tender than to touch upon this sore,Or even name my wife? my father’s fill’dWith hopes that she may be dismiss’d.—And then,If Phormio gets the money for the portion,He, to be sure, must marry her.—And whatBecomes of me then?Geta.He’ll not marry her.Ant.Oh, no: but when they redemand the money,On my account he’ll rather go to jail! (Ironically.)Geta.Many a tale is spoiled in telling, Antipho.You take out all the good, and leave the bad.—Now hear the other side—If he receivesThe money, he must wed the girl: I grant it.But then some little time must be allow’dFor wedding-preparation, invitation,And sacrifices.—Meanwhile, Phædria’s friendsAdvance the money they have promis’d him:Which Phormio shall make use of for repayment.Ant.How so? what reason can he give?Geta.What reason?A thousand.—“Since I made this fatal bargain,Omens and prodigies have happen’d to me.There came a strange black dog into my house!A snake fell through the tiling! a hen crow’d!The Soothsayer forbade it! The DivinerCharg’d me to enter on no new affairBefore the winter.”—All sufficient reasons.Thus it shall be.Ant.Pray Heav’n it may be!Geta.It shall.Depend on me:—But here’s your father.—Go;Tell Phædria that the money’s safe.ExitAntipho.
Ant.(coming forward). Geta!
Geta.Ha, Antipho!
Ant.What have you done!
Geta.Trick’d the old bubbles of their money.
Ant.Well,
Is that sufficient, think ye?
Geta.I can’t tell.
’Twas all my orders.
Ant.Knave, d’ye shuffle with me? (Kicks him.)
Geta.Plague! what d’ye mean?
Ant.What do I mean, Sirrah!
You’ve driven me to absolute perdition.
All pow’rs of heav’n and hell confound you for’t,
And make you an example to all villains!
—Here! would you have your business duly manag’d,
Commit it to this fellow!—What could be
More tender than to touch upon this sore,
Or even name my wife? my father’s fill’d
With hopes that she may be dismiss’d.—And then,
If Phormio gets the money for the portion,
He, to be sure, must marry her.—And what
Becomes of me then?
Geta.He’ll not marry her.
Ant.Oh, no: but when they redemand the money,
On my account he’ll rather go to jail! (Ironically.)
Geta.Many a tale is spoiled in telling, Antipho.
You take out all the good, and leave the bad.
—Now hear the other side—If he receives
The money, he must wed the girl: I grant it.
But then some little time must be allow’d
For wedding-preparation, invitation,
And sacrifices.—Meanwhile, Phædria’s friends
Advance the money they have promis’d him:
Which Phormio shall make use of for repayment.
Ant.How so? what reason can he give?
Geta.What reason?
A thousand.—“Since I made this fatal bargain,
Omens and prodigies have happen’d to me.
There came a strange black dog into my house!
A snake fell through the tiling! a hen crow’d!
The Soothsayer forbade it! The Diviner
Charg’d me to enter on no new affair
Before the winter.”—All sufficient reasons.
Thus it shall be.
Ant.Pray Heav’n it may be!
Geta.It shall.
Depend on me:—But here’s your father.—Go;
Tell Phædria that the money’s safe.
ExitAntipho.
Re-enterDemiphoandChremes.
Dem.Nay, peace!I’ll warrant he shall play no tricks upon us:I’ll not part rashly with it, I assure you;But pay it before witnesses, recitingTo whom ’tis paid, and why ’tis paid.Geta.How cautious,Where there is no occasion! (Aside.)Chrem.You had need.But haste, dispatch it while the fit’s upon him:For if the other party should be pressing,Perhaps he’ll break with us.Geta.You’ve hit it, Sir.Dem.Carry me to him then.Geta.I wait your pleasure.Chrem.(toDemipho). When this is done, step over to my wife,That she may see the girl before she goes;And tell her, to prevent her being angry,“That we’ve agreed to marry her to Phormio,Her old acquaintance, and a fitter match;That we have not been wanting in our duty,But giv’n as large a portion as he ask’d.”Dem.Pshaw! what’s all this to you?Chrem.A great deal, brother.Dem.Is’t not sufficient to have done your duty,Unless the world approves it?Chrem.I would chooseTo have the whole thing done by her consent,Lest she pretend we turn’d her out o’ doors.Lest she pretend she was turn’d out o’ doors.Dem.Well, I can say all this to her myself.Chrem.A woman deals much better with a woman.Dem.I’ll ask your wife to do it then.ExeuntDemiphoandGeta.Chrem.I’m thinkingWhere I shall find these women now.
Dem.Nay, peace!
I’ll warrant he shall play no tricks upon us:
I’ll not part rashly with it, I assure you;
But pay it before witnesses, reciting
To whom ’tis paid, and why ’tis paid.
Geta.How cautious,
Where there is no occasion! (Aside.)
Chrem.You had need.
But haste, dispatch it while the fit’s upon him:
For if the other party should be pressing,
Perhaps he’ll break with us.
Geta.You’ve hit it, Sir.
Dem.Carry me to him then.
Geta.I wait your pleasure.
Chrem.(toDemipho). When this is done, step over to my wife,
That she may see the girl before she goes;
And tell her, to prevent her being angry,
“That we’ve agreed to marry her to Phormio,
Her old acquaintance, and a fitter match;
That we have not been wanting in our duty,
But giv’n as large a portion as he ask’d.”
Dem.Pshaw! what’s all this to you?
Chrem.A great deal, brother.
Dem.Is’t not sufficient to have done your duty,Unless the world approves it?Chrem.I would chooseTo have the whole thing done by her consent,Lest she pretend we turn’d her out o’ doors.Lest she pretend she was turn’d out o’ doors.Dem.Well, I can say all this to her myself.Chrem.A woman deals much better with a woman.Dem.I’ll ask your wife to do it then.ExeuntDemiphoandGeta.Chrem.I’m thinkingWhere I shall find these women now.
Dem.Is’t not sufficient to have done your duty,
Unless the world approves it?
Chrem.I would choose
To have the whole thing done by her consent,
Lest she pretend we turn’d her out o’ doors.
Lest she pretend she was turn’d out o’ doors.
Dem.Well, I can say all this to her myself.
Chrem.A woman deals much better with a woman.
Dem.I’ll ask your wife to do it then.
ExeuntDemiphoandGeta.
Chrem.I’m thinking
Where I shall find these women now.
EnterSophronaat a distance.
Soph.(to herself). Alas!What shall I do, unhappy as I am?Where find a friend? to whom disclose this story?Of whom beseech assistance?—For I fearMy mistress will sustain some injuryFrom following my counsel: the youth’s father,I hear, is so offended at this marriage.Chrem.Who’s this old woman, coming from my brother’s,That seems so terrified?Soph.(to herself). ’Twas povertyCompell’d me to this action: though I knewThis match would hardly hold together long,Yet I advis’d her to it, that meanwhileShe might not want subsistence.Chrem.Surely, surely,Either my mind deceives me, or my eyes fail me,Or that’s my daughter’s nurse.Soph.Nor can we find——Chrem.What shall I do?Soph.—Her father out.Chrem.Were’t bestI should go up to her, or wait a little,To gather something more from her discourse?Soph.Could he be found, my fears were at an end.Chrem.’Tis she. I’ll speak with her.Soph.(overhearing). Whose voice is that?Chrem.Sophrona!Soph.Ha! my name too?Chrem.Look this way.Soph.(turning). Good Heav’n have mercy on us! Stilpho!Chrem.No.Soph.Deny your own name?Chrem.(in a low voice). This way, Sophrona!———A little further from that door!—this way!——And never call me by that name, I charge you.Soph.What, ar’n’t you then the man you said you was? (Aloud.)Chrem.Hist! hist!Soph.What makes you fear those doors so much?Chrem.I have a fury of a wife within:And formerly I went by that false name,Lest she should indiscreetly blab it out,And so my wife might come to hear of this.Soph.Ah! thus it was, that we, alas! poor souls,Could never find you out here.Chrem.Well, but tell me,What business have you with that family? (Pointing.)—Where is your mistress and her daughter?Soph.Ah!Chrem.What now? are they alive?Soph.The daughter is:The mother broke her heart with grief.Chrem.Alas!Soph.And I a poor, unknown, distress’d old woman,Endeavoring to manage for the best,Contriv’d to match the virgin to a youth,Son to the master of this house.Chrem.To Antipho?Soph.The very same.Chrem.What! has he two wives then?Soph.No, mercy on us! he has none but her.Chrem.What is the other then, who, they pretend,Is a relation to him?Soph.This is she.Chrem.How say you?Soph.It was all a mere contrivance:That he, who was in love, might marry herWithout a portion.Chrem.O ye powers of heav’n,How often fortune blindly brings aboutMore than we dare to hope for! Coming home,I’ve found my daughter, even to my wish,Match’d to the very person I desir’d.What we have both been laboring to effect,Has this poor woman all alone accomplish’d.Soph.But now consider what is to be done!The bridegroom’s father is return’d; and he,They say, is much offended at this marriage.Chrem.Be of good comfort: there’s no danger there.But, in the name of heav’n and earth, I charge you,Let nobody discover she’s my daughter.Soph.None shall discover it from me.Chrem.Come then!Follow me in, and you shall hear the rest.Exeunt.
Soph.(to herself). Alas!
What shall I do, unhappy as I am?
Where find a friend? to whom disclose this story?
Of whom beseech assistance?—For I fear
My mistress will sustain some injury
From following my counsel: the youth’s father,
I hear, is so offended at this marriage.
Chrem.Who’s this old woman, coming from my brother’s,
That seems so terrified?
Soph.(to herself). ’Twas poverty
Compell’d me to this action: though I knew
This match would hardly hold together long,
Yet I advis’d her to it, that meanwhile
She might not want subsistence.
Chrem.Surely, surely,
Either my mind deceives me, or my eyes fail me,
Or that’s my daughter’s nurse.
Soph.Nor can we find——
Chrem.What shall I do?
Soph.—Her father out.
Chrem.Were’t best
I should go up to her, or wait a little,
To gather something more from her discourse?
Soph.Could he be found, my fears were at an end.
Chrem.’Tis she. I’ll speak with her.
Soph.(overhearing). Whose voice is that?
Chrem.Sophrona!
Soph.Ha! my name too?
Chrem.Look this way.
Soph.(turning). Good Heav’n have mercy on us! Stilpho!
Chrem.No.
Soph.Deny your own name?
Chrem.(in a low voice). This way, Sophrona!——
—A little further from that door!—this way!——
And never call me by that name, I charge you.
Soph.What, ar’n’t you then the man you said you was? (Aloud.)
Chrem.Hist! hist!
Soph.What makes you fear those doors so much?
Chrem.I have a fury of a wife within:
And formerly I went by that false name,
Lest she should indiscreetly blab it out,
And so my wife might come to hear of this.
Soph.Ah! thus it was, that we, alas! poor souls,
Could never find you out here.
Chrem.Well, but tell me,
What business have you with that family? (Pointing.)
—Where is your mistress and her daughter?
Soph.Ah!
Chrem.What now? are they alive?
Soph.The daughter is:
The mother broke her heart with grief.
Chrem.Alas!
Soph.And I a poor, unknown, distress’d old woman,
Endeavoring to manage for the best,
Contriv’d to match the virgin to a youth,
Son to the master of this house.
Chrem.To Antipho?
Soph.The very same.
Chrem.What! has he two wives then?
Soph.No, mercy on us! he has none but her.
Chrem.What is the other then, who, they pretend,
Is a relation to him?
Soph.This is she.
Chrem.How say you?
Soph.It was all a mere contrivance:
That he, who was in love, might marry her
Without a portion.
Chrem.O ye powers of heav’n,
How often fortune blindly brings about
More than we dare to hope for! Coming home,
I’ve found my daughter, even to my wish,
Match’d to the very person I desir’d.
What we have both been laboring to effect,
Has this poor woman all alone accomplish’d.
Soph.But now consider what is to be done!
The bridegroom’s father is return’d; and he,
They say, is much offended at this marriage.
Chrem.Be of good comfort: there’s no danger there.
But, in the name of heav’n and earth, I charge you,
Let nobody discover she’s my daughter.
Soph.None shall discover it from me.
Chrem.Come then!
Follow me in, and you shall hear the rest.
Exeunt.
Demipho,Geta.
Dem.’Tis our own fault that we encourage rogues,By overstraining the due characterOf honesty and generosity.“Shoot not beyond the mark,” the proverb goes.Was’t not enough that he had done us wrong,But we must also throw him money too,To live till he devises some new mischief?Geta.Very right!Dem.Knavery’s now its own reward.Geta.Very true!Dem.How like fools have we behav’d!Geta.So as he keeps his word, and takes the girl,’Tis well enough.Dem.Is that a doubt at present?Geta.A man, you know, may change his mind.Dem.How! change?Geta.That I can’t tell: but, if perhaps, I say.Dem.I’ll now perform my promise to my brother,And bring his wife to talk to the young woman.You, Geta, go before, and let her knowNausistrata will come and speak with her.ExitDemipho.
Dem.’Tis our own fault that we encourage rogues,
By overstraining the due character
Of honesty and generosity.
“Shoot not beyond the mark,” the proverb goes.
Was’t not enough that he had done us wrong,
But we must also throw him money too,
To live till he devises some new mischief?
Geta.Very right!
Dem.Knavery’s now its own reward.
Geta.Very true!
Dem.How like fools have we behav’d!
Geta.So as he keeps his word, and takes the girl,
’Tis well enough.
Dem.Is that a doubt at present?
Geta.A man, you know, may change his mind.
Dem.How! change?
Geta.That I can’t tell: but, if perhaps, I say.
Dem.I’ll now perform my promise to my brother,
And bring his wife to talk to the young woman.
You, Geta, go before, and let her know
Nausistrata will come and speak with her.
ExitDemipho.
Getaalone.
The money’s got for Phædria: all is hush’d:And Phanium is not to depart as yet.What more then? where will all this end at last?—Alas! you’re sticking in the same mire still:You’ve only chang’d hands, Geta. The disasterThat hung but now directly over you,Delay perhaps will bring more heavy on you.You’re quite beset, unless you look about.—Now then I’ll home; to lesson Phanium,That she mayn’t stand in fear of Phormio,Nor dread this conf’rence with Nausistrata.Exit.
The money’s got for Phædria: all is hush’d:
And Phanium is not to depart as yet.
What more then? where will all this end at last?
—Alas! you’re sticking in the same mire still:
You’ve only chang’d hands, Geta. The disaster
That hung but now directly over you,
Delay perhaps will bring more heavy on you.
You’re quite beset, unless you look about.
—Now then I’ll home; to lesson Phanium,
That she mayn’t stand in fear of Phormio,
Nor dread this conf’rence with Nausistrata.
Exit.
EnterDemiphoandNausistrata.
Dem.Come then, Nausistrata, afford us nowA little of your usual art, and tryTo put this woman in good humor with us;That what is done she may do willingly.Naus.I will.Dem.And now assist us with your counsel,As with your cash a little while ago.Naus.With all my heart: and I am only sorryThat ’tis my husband’s fault I can’t do more.Dem.How so?Naus.Because he takes such little careOf the estate my father nurs’d so well:For from these very farms he never fail’dTo draw two talents by the year. But ah!What difference between man and man!Dem.Two talents?Naus.Aye—in worse times than these—and yet two talents?Dem.Huy!Naus.What, are you surpris’d?Dem.Prodigiously.Naus.Would I had been a man! I’d show——Dem.No doubt.Naus.—By what means——Dem.Nay, but spare yourself a littleFor the encounter with the girl: lest she,Flippant and young, may weary you too much.Naus.—Well, I’ll obey your orders: but I seeMy husband coming forth.
Dem.Come then, Nausistrata, afford us now
A little of your usual art, and try
To put this woman in good humor with us;
That what is done she may do willingly.
Naus.I will.
Dem.And now assist us with your counsel,
As with your cash a little while ago.
Naus.With all my heart: and I am only sorry
That ’tis my husband’s fault I can’t do more.
Dem.How so?
Naus.Because he takes such little care
Of the estate my father nurs’d so well:
For from these very farms he never fail’d
To draw two talents by the year. But ah!
What difference between man and man!
Dem.Two talents?
Naus.Aye—in worse times than these—and yet two talents?
Dem.Huy!
Naus.What, are you surpris’d?
Dem.Prodigiously.
Naus.Would I had been a man! I’d show——
Dem.No doubt.
Naus.—By what means——
Dem.Nay, but spare yourself a little
For the encounter with the girl: lest she,
Flippant and young, may weary you too much.
Naus.—Well, I’ll obey your orders: but I see
My husband coming forth.
EnterChremes, hastily.