Part 115 (1/2)

CHREM. O ye powers of heav'n, How often fortune blindly brings about More than we dare to hope for! Coming home, I've found my daughter, even to my wish, Match'd to the very person I desir'd.

What we have both been laboring to effect, Has this poor woman all alone accomplish'd.

SOPH. But now consider what is to be done!

The bridegroom's father is return'd; and he, They say, is much offended at this marriage.

CHREM. Be of good comfort: there's no danger there.

But, in the name of heav'n and earth, I charge you, Let n.o.body discover she's my daughter.

SOPH. None shall discover it from me.

CHREM. Come then!

Follow me in, and you shall hear the rest. (_Exeunt._

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

_DEMIPHO, GETA._

DEM. 'Tis our own fault that we encourage rogues, By overstraining the due character Of honesty and generosity.

”Shoot not beyond the mark,” the proverb goes.

Was't not enough that he had done us wrong, But we must also throw him money too, To live till he devises some new mischief?

GETA. Very right!

DEM. Knavery's now its own reward.

GETA. Very true!

DEM. How like fools have we behav'd!

GETA. So as he keeps his word, and takes the girl, 'Tis well enough.

DEM. Is that a doubt at present?

GETA. A man, you know, may change his mind.

DEM. How! change?

GETA. That I can't tell: but, if perhaps, I say.

DEM. I'll now perform my promise to my brother, And bring his wife to talk to the young woman.

You, Geta, go before, and let her know Nausistrata will come and speak with her. (_Exit DEMIPHO._

SCENE II.