Part 113 (2/2)

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, Phaedria'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 Phaedria that the money's safe. (_Exit ANTIPHO._

SCENE V.

_Re-enter DEMIPHO and CHREMES._

DEM. Nay, peace!

I'll warrant he shall play no tricks upon us: I'll not part rashly with it, I a.s.sure 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. (_to DEMIPHO_). 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.

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