Part 112 (1/2)

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 (_to DEMIPHO_). 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 a.s.sure 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?