GETA. --But ne'ertheless We've miss'd no opportunity.
ANT. Oh, speak! How go my fortunes, Geta? has my father Any suspicion that I was in league With Phormio?
GETA. Unless that Phædria Did all he could do for you.----
GETA. --And Phormio has on all occasions else. Prov'd himself a brave fellow.
ANT. Honest Geta, I am much bounden to you all.
GETA. Thus, Sir, Stand things at present. As yet all is calm. Your father means to wait your uncle's coming.
GETA. For his advice, as he propos'd; By which he will be rul'd in this affair.
ANT. How do I dread my uncle's coming, Geta. Since by his sentence I must live or die!
GETA. From his old school. (_They retire._)
_Enter, from Dorio's, DORIO, PHÆDRIA following._
DORIO. I am tir'd With hearing the same thing a thousand times.
PHÆD. But what I'd say you would be glad to hear.
PHÆD. Can't I prevail on you To stay but these three days?-- Nay, where d'ye go?
DORIO. I should have wonder'd had you said aught new.
ANT. (_behind_). This pimp, I fear, will work himself no good.
PHÆD. 'Tis a kindness Shall be repaid with interest.
PHÆD. You'll be glad on't; you will, believe me.
PHÆD. Can you be so inflexible, so cruel. That neither pity nor entreaties touch you?
DORIO. And can you be so inconsiderate, And so unconscionable, Phædria, To think that you can talk me to your purpose, And wheedle me to give the girl for nothing?
PHÆD. (_to himself_). Alas! he speaks the truth.
GETA (_to ANTIPHO_). How well they each support their characters!
PHÆD. (_to himself_). Then that this evil should have come upon me, When Antipho was in the like distress!
ANT. (_going up_). Ha! what now, Phædria?
PHÆD. Who have her you love in your possession, Nor e'er had plagues like these to struggle with!
ANT. In my possession? yes, I have, indeed, As the old saying goes, a wolf by th' ears: For I can neither part with her nor keep her.
ANT. (_to DORIO_). Thou thorough bawd! --(_To PHÆDRIA._) What has he done?
PHÆD. Done?--The inhuman wretch Has sold my Pamphila.
DORIO (_laughing_). Sold her.--What a monstrous crime! A wench he paid his ready money for.
PHÆD. I can't prevail upon him to wait for me, And to stave off his bargain but three days; Till I obtain the money from my friends, According to their promise.--If I do not Pay it you then, don't wait a moment longer.