I'm glad that, however my own affairs go, my brother has succeeded in his wishes. How wise it is to cherish desires of that nature in the mind, that when things run counter, you may easily find a cure for them! He has both got the money, and released himself from care; I, by no method, can extricate myself from these troubles; on the contrary, if the matter is concealed, I am in dread—but if disclosed, in disgrace. Neither should I now go home, were not a hope still presented me of retaining her. But where, I wonder, can I find Geta, that I may ask him what opportunity he would recommend me to take for meeting my father?
But here's Phormio.
About what?
Why—what's Phaedria going to do now? In what way does he say that he intends to take his fill of love?
In his turn, he's going to act your part.
What part?
To run away from his father; he begs that you in your return will act on his behalf—to plead his cause for him. For he's going to carouse at my house. I shall tell the old man that I'm going to Sunium, to the fair, to purchase the female servant that Geta mentioned a while since, so that, when they don't see me here, they mayn't suppose that I'm squandering their money. But there is a noise at the door of your house.
See who's coming out.
It's Geta.
O good luck
: "Fors fortuna," "good fortune;" while "fortuna" merely means "chance."
Throwing my cloak
: When expedition was required, it was usual to throw the ends of the "pallium," or "cloak," over the shoulders.
Geta!
Do you persist? Troth, you shall not on this occasion get the better of me by your annoyance.
You'll be getting a beating.
Assuredly that will befall yourself just now unless you stop, you whip-knave.
This must be some one pretty familiar, threatening me with a beating.
What's the matter?
O being most blessed of all men living! For without question, Antipho, you are the only favorite of the Gods.
So I could wish; but I should like to be told why I'm to believe it is so.
Is it enough if I plunge you into a sea of joy?
You are worrying me to death.
Nay but do have done with your promises, and tell us what you bring.
I am: but why do you delay?
Listen, then. When we just now paid you the money at the Forum, we went straight to Chremes; in the mean time, my master sent me to your wife.
What for?
I'll omit telling you that, as it is nothing to the present purpose, Antipho. Just as I was going to the woman's apartments, the boy Mida came running up to me, and caught me behind by my cloak, and pulled me back; I turned about, and inquired for what reason he stopped me; he said that it was forbidden for any one to go in to his mistress. "Sophrona has just now," said he, "introduced here Chremes, the old gentleman's brother," and he said that he was then in the room with them: when I heard this, on tip-toe I stole softly along; I came there, stood, held my breath, I applied my ear, and so began to listen, catching the conversation every word in this fashion
Well done, Geta.
Here I overheard a very pretty piece of business; so much so that I had nearly cried out for joy.
What was it?
I don't know.
Why, something most marvelous. Your uncle has been discovered to be the father of your wife, Phanium.
He formerly cohabited secretly with her mother at
A dream: how could she be ignorant about her own father?
Be sure, Phormio, that there is some reason: but do you suppose that, outside of the door, I was able to understand every thing that passed between them within?
On my faith, I too have heard the same story.
Aye, and I'll give you still further reason for believing it: your uncle in the mean time came out from there; not long after he returned again, with your father; each said that he gave you permission to retain her; in fine, I've been sent to find you, and bring you to them.
Why then carry me offCarry me off
: Madame Dacier says that Antipho is so rejoiced here at Geta's news, that he jumps upon his shoulders, and is carried off in triumph, which was a sort of stage-trick, and was very diverting to the Audience. On this, Colman observes: "I believe Madame Dacier has not the least foundation for this extraordinary piece of information; and I must confess, that I have too high an opinion, both of the Roman audience and actors, to believe it to be true."
I'll do so.
O my dear Phormio, farewell!
Farewell, Antipho.
So may the Gods bless me, this has turned out luckily. I'm glad of it, that such good fortune has thus suddenly befallen them. I have now an excellent opportunity for diddling the old men, and ridding Phaedria of all anxiety about the money, so that he mayn't be under the necessity of applying to any of his companions. For this same money, as it has been given him, shall be given for good, whether they like it or not: how to force them to this, I've fund out the very way. I must now assume a new air and countenance. But I'll betake myself off to this next alley; from that spot I'll present myself to them, when they come out of doors. I sha'n't go to the fair, where I pretended I was going.