Perde 5
[Textpart 6]
You are worrying me to death.
PHORMIO
Nay but do have done with your promises, and tell us what you bring.
GETA
Oh, are you here too, Phormio?
PHORMIO
I am: but why do you delay?
GETA
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.
860
GETA
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 (shows them).
865
GETA
Here I overheard a very pretty piece of business; so much so that I had nearly cried out for joy.
GETA
Why, something most marvelous. Your uncle has been discovered to be the father of your wife, Phanium.
ANTIPHO
Ha! what’s that you say
GETA
He formerly cohabited secretly with her mother at Lemnos.
PHORMIO
A dream: how could she be ignorant about her own father?
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?
875
