Perde 5
[Textpart 6]
On my faith, I too have heard the same story.
GETA
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.
880
ANTIPHO
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. at once;—why do you delay?
ANTIPHO
O my dear Phormio, farewell!
PHORMIO
Farewell, Antipho. (ANTIPHO and GETA go into DEMIPHO’S house.) 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 found out the very way.
885
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.
890
[Textpart 7]
I do give and return hearty thanks to the Gods,
DEMIPHO
and with reason, brother, inasmuch as these matters have turned out for us so fortunately. We must now meet with Phormio as soon as possible, before he squanders our thirty minae, so that we may get them from him. (Enter PHORMIO, coming forward, and speaking aloud, as though not seeing them.)
895
PHORMIO
I’ll go see if Demipho’s at home; that as to whatThat as to what: Lemaire suggests that he is about to say: that as to what was agreed upon between us, I may take home this young woman, and make her my wife.—
DEMIPHO
Why, Phormio, we were coming to you.
PHORMIO
Perhaps about the very same affair. (DEMIPHO nods assent.)
900
What were you coming to my house for? Ridiculous; are you afraid that I sha’n’t do what I have once undertaken? Hark you, whatever is my poverty, still, of this one thing I have taken due care, not to forfeit my word.
CHREMES
Is she not genteel-looking,Is she not genteel-looking: Patrick has the following note here: One can not conceive any thing more happy or just than these words of Chremes. Demipho’s thoughts are wholly taken up how to recover the money, and Phormio is equally solicitous to retain it; but Chremes, who had just left his daughter, is regardless of their discourse, and fresh from the impressions which she had made on him, longs to know if his brother’s sentiments of her were equally favorable, and naturally puts this paternal question to him. just as I told you?
905
DEMIPHO
Very much so.
905
PHORMIO
And this is what I’m come to tell you, Demipho, that I’m quite ready; whenever you please, give me my wife. For I postponed all my other business, as was fit I should, when I understood that you were so very desirous to have it so.
