Well now—did you ever hear of an injury being done to any person in a more affronting manner than this has to me? Assist me, I do beg of you.
He does deny it.
He does deny it.
And that he knows who Stilpho was?
He does deny it.
Because the poor thing was left destitute, her father is disowned; she herself is slighted: see what avarice does.
Oh, the impudence of the fellow! Does he come on purpose to accuse me?
For really, I have no reason why I should be offended at the young man, if he did not know him; since that person, when growing aged and poor, and supporting himself by his labor, generally confined himself to the country; there hehad a piece of land from my father to cultivate; full oft, in the mean time, did the old. man tell me that this kinsman of his neglected him: but what a man? The very best I ever saw in all my life.
Why, it's just what he deserves.
Who is it?
Hold your peace.
He has never left off uttering abuse against you behind your back, unworthy of you, and just befitting himself.
Well now, have done.
I, know?
Yes.
I say I do not; you, Who affirm it, recall it to my recollection.
Come now, didn't you know your own cousin-ger-man?
You torture me to death; tell me his name.
His name?
Of course.
Well, what do you say?
I, come to pump you, indeed?
But, after all, what matters that to me? It is Stilpho.
Whom did you say?
Stilpho, I tell you; you knew him.
I neither know him, nor had I ever any relation of that name.
Say you so? Are you not ashamed of this? But if he had left you ten talents—
May the Gods confound you!
You'd have been the first, from memory, to trace your line of kindred, even as far back as from grandfather and great-grandfather.
Very likely what you say. In that case, when I had undertaken it, I should have shown how she was related to me; do you do the same: tell me, how is she related to me?
Well done, my master, that's right!
I've already made the matter quite plain where I ought, before the judges; besides, if it was untrue, why didn't your son disprove it?
Do you talk about my son to me? Of whose folly there is no speaking in the language it deserves.
Then do you, who are so wise, go to the magistrates, that for you they may give a second decision in the same cause, since you reign alone
Although wrong has been done me, still, however, rather than engage in litigation, or listen to you, just as though she had been my relation, as the law orders one to find her a portion, rid me of her, and take five minae.
laughing.) Ha, ha, ha! a pleasant individual!
Well! am I asking any thing unfair? Or am I not to obtain even this, which is my right at common law?
Pray, really is it so, that when you have abused-her like a courtesan, the law orders you to pay her hire and pack her off? Or is it the fact, that in order that a citizen may bring no disgrace upon herself through poverty, she has been ordered to be given to her nearest relative, to pass her life with him alone? A thing which you mean to prevent.
Yes, to her nearest.relative, indeed; but why to us, or on what ground?
Well, well, a thing tried, they say, you can't try over again.
Not try it? On the contrary, I shall not desist until I have gone through with it.
You are trifling.
Only let me alone for that.
In short, Demipho, I have nothing to do with you; your son has been cast, and not you; for your time of life for marrying has now gone by.
Consider that it is he that says to you all I now say, or else assuredly, together with this wife of his, I'll be forbidding him the house.
You'll be acting more considerately.
Are you so resolved, you unlucky fellow, to do me all the mischief you can?
But if, on the contrary, you endure what must be endured, you'll be doing what's worthy of you, so that we may be on friendly terms.
If you can agree with her, you will have some one to cheer up your old age; just consider your time of life.
Let her cheer up yourself; keep her to yourself.
Really, do moderate your passion.
Mark what I say. There have been words enough already; if you don't make haste to fetch away the woman, I shall turn her out: I have said it, Phormio.
If you use her in any other manner than is befitting a free-born woman, I shall be bringing a swinging action against you: I have said it, Demipho.
What care and anxiety my son does bring upon me, by entangling himself and me in this same marriage! And he doesn't so much as come into my sight, that at least I might know what he says about this matter. or what his sentiments are.
I will.
What, I? I think Cratinus ought, if it seems good to you.
Tell me, Cratinus.
What, do you wish me to speak? I should like you to do what is most for your advantage; it is my opinion, that what this son of yours has done in your absence, in law and justice ought to be annulled; and that you'll obtain redress. That's my opinion.
Say now, Hegio.
I believe that he has spoken with due deliberation; but it is the fact, "as many men, so many minds;"
Speak, Crito.
I am of opinion that we must deliberate further;
Do you want any thing further with us?
You have done very well.
They say that he has not come back.
I must wait for my brother. The advice that he gives me about this matter, I shall follow. I'll go make inquiry at the harbor, when he is to come back.
And I'll go look for Antipho, that he may learn what has passed here. But look, I see him coming this way, just in the very nick of time.
You are the very person I was looking for.
But still, we were not a bit the more remiss on that account.
Tell me, I beg of you, in what posture are my interests and fortunes. Has my father any suspicion?
Not any at present.
Is there still any hope?
I don't know.
Alas!
But Phaedria has not neglected to use his endeavors in your behalf.
He did nothing new.
Then Phormio, too; in this matter, just as in every thing else, showed himself a man of energy.
What did he do?
With his words he silenced the old man, who was very angry.
Well done, Phormio!
I, too, did all I could.
My dear Geta, I love you all.
The commencement is just in this position, as I tell you: matters, at present; are going on smoothly, and your father intends to wait for your uncle till he arrives.
Why him?
He said he was wishful to act by his advice, in all that relates to this business.
How greatly now, Geta, I do dread my uncle's safe arrival! For, according to his single sentence, from what I hear, I am to live or die.
Here comes Phaedria.
Where is he, pray?
See, he's coming from his place of exercise.From his place of exercise
: "Palaestra." He alludes to the Procurer's house under this name.