Part 100 (2/2)

But now what I'd request of you, attend: To-day I bring a new play, which the Greeks Call Epidicazomenos; the Latins, From the chief character, name Phormio: Phormio, whom you will find a parasite, And the chief engine of the plot.--And now, If to our Poet you are well inclin'd, Give ear; be favorable; and be silent!

Let us not meet the same ill fortune now That we before encounter'd, when our troop Was by a tumult driven from their place; To which the actor's merit, seconded By your good-will and candor, has restor'd us.

ACT THE FIRST.

SCENE I.

_DAVUS alone._

Geta, my worthy friend and countryman, Came to me yesterday: for some time past I've ow'd him some small balance of account: This he desir'd I would make up: I have; And brought it with me: for his master's son, I am inform'd, has lately got a wife: So I suppose this sum is sc.r.a.p'd together For a bride-gift. Alack, how hard it is That he, who is already poor, should still Throw in his mite to swell the rich man's heap!

What he scarce, ounce by ounce, from short allowance, Sorely defrauding his own appet.i.te, Has spar'd, poor wretch! shall she sweep all at once, Unheeding with what labor it was got?

Geta, moreover, shall be struck for more; Another gift, when madam's brought to bed; Another too, when master's birthday's kept, And they initiate him.----All this mamma Shall carry off, the bantling her excuse.

But is that Geta?

SCENE II.

_Enter GETA._

GETA (_at entering._) If a red-hair'd man Inquire for me----

DAVUS. No more! he's here.

GETA. Oh, Davus!

The very man that I was going after.

DAVUS. Here, take this! (_Gives a purse._) 'Tis all told: you'll find it right; The sum I ow'd you.

GETA. Honest, worthy Davus!

I thank you for your punctuality.

DAVUS. And well you may, as men and times go now, Things, by my troth, are come to such a pa.s.s, If a man pays you what he owes, you're much Beholden to him.--But, pray, why so sad?

GETA. I?--You can scarce imagine in what dread.

What danger I am in.

DAVUS. How so?

GETA. I'll tell you, So you will keep it secret.

DAVUS. Away, fool!

The man whose faith in money you have tried, D'ye fear to trust with words?--And to what end Should I deceive you?

GETA. List, then!

DAVUS. I'm all ear.

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