The Comedies of Terence Part 111

PHaeD. Dog-cheap.

GETA. Well, say no more.

I'll get them for you.

PHaeD. O brave fellow!

GETA. Hence!

PHaeD. But I shall want it now.

GETA. You'll have it now.

But Phormio must a.s.sist 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._

PHaeD. But how will you effect this?

GETA. I'll explain That matter as we go along.--Away! (_Exeunt._

[Changes:

_Harper_ That the old man now rages at us all _Colman 1768_ That Demipho now rages at us all]

ACT THE THIRD.

SCENE I.

_Enter DEMIPHO and CHREMES._

DEM. Well, Chremes, have you brought your daughter with you, On whose account you went to Lemnos?

CHREM. No.

DEM. Why not?

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 s.h.i.+p, who brought them over, Inform'd me of their safe arrival hither.

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.

[Changes:

_Harper_ CHREM. It seems the mother, grown impatient _Colman 1768_ CHREM. Her mother grown, it seems, impatient

Inform'd me of their safe arrival hither.

_Harper edition reads "safe arrival higher"_]

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 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 G.o.d; That it was now the time to show himself As truly Phaedria'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! Phaedria'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!

[Changes:

_Harper_ With my advice for getting it; and scarce _Colman 1768_ With my device for getting it; and scarce]

SCENE III.

_Enter behind, ANTIPHO._