Part 104 (1/2)

GETA. Geta at last.

DEM. What they will say to me, Or what excuse they will devise, I wonder.

GETA. Oh, we have settled that already: think Of something else.

DEM. Will he say this to me, --”Against my will I did it”--”Forc'd by law”---- --I hear you: I confess it.

GETA. Very well.

DEM. But conscious of the fraud, without a word In answer or defense, to yield the cause Tamely to your opponents--did the law Force you to _that_ too?

PHaeD. That's home.

GETA. Give me leave.

I'll manage it.

DEM. I know not what to do: This stroke has come so unawares upon me, Beyond all expectation, past belief.

--I'm so enrag'd, I can't compose my mind To think upon it.--Wherefore ev'ry man, When his affairs go on most swimmingly, Ev'n then it most behooves to arm himself Against the coming storm: loss, danger, exile, Returning ever let him look to meet; His son in fault, wife dead, or daughter sick---- All common accidents, and may have happen'd; That nothing should seem new or strange. But if Aught has fall'n out beyond his hopes, all that Let him account clear gain.

GETA. Oh, Phaedria, 'Tis wonderful how much a wiser man I am than my old master. My misfortunes I have consider'd well.--At his return Doom'd to grind ever in the mill, beat, chain'd, Or set to labor in the fields; of these Nothing will happen new. If aught falls out Beyond my hopes, all that I'll count clear gain.

--But why delay t'accost th' old gentleman, And speak him fair at first? (_PHaeDRIA goes forward._)

DEM. Methinks I see My nephew Phaedria.

PHaeD. My good Uncle, welcome!

DEM. Your servant!--But where's Antipho?

PHaeD. I'm glad To see you safe----

DEM. Well, well!--But answer me.

PHaeD. He's well: hard by.--But have affairs turn'd out According to your wishes?

DEM. Would they had!

PHaeD. Why, what's the matter?

DEM. What's the matter, Phaedria?

You've clapp'd up a fine marriage in my absence.

PHaeD. What! are you angry with him about that?

GETA. Well counterfeited!

DEM. Should I not be angry?

Let me but set eyes on him, he shall know That his offenses have converted me From a mild father to a most severe one.

PHaeD. He has done nothing, Uncle, to offend you.

DEM. See, all alike! the whole gang hangs together: Know one, and you know all.

PHaeD. Nay, 'tis not so.