The Comedies of Terence Part 102

GETA. Nothing, but farewell! (_Exit DAVUS._ Ho, boy! what, n.o.body at home! (_Enter boy._) Take this And give it Dorcium. (_Gives the Purse, and Exit._)

[Changes:

To marry them."

_close quote missing in Harper text_

You shall disprove no t.i.ttle of the charge _Harper text reads "no t.i.tle"_]

SCENE III.

_ANTIPHO, PHaeDRIA._

ANT. Is it come to this?

My father, Phaedria!--my best friend!--That I Should tremble, when I think of his return!

When, had I not been inconsiderate, I, as 'tis meet, might have expected him.

PHaeD. What now?

ANT. Is that a question? and from you?

Who know the atrocious fault I have committed?

Oh, that it ne'er had enter'd Phormio's mind To give such counsel! nor to urge me on, In the extravagance of blind desire, To this rash act, the source of my misfortunes!

I should not have possess'd her: that indeed Had made me wretched some few days.--But then This constant anguish had not torn my mind.----

PHaeD. I hear you.

ANT. --While each moment I expect His coming to divorce me.

PHaeD. Other men, For lack of what they love, are miserable; Abundance is your grievance. You're too rich A lover, Antipho! For your condition Is to be wish'd and pray'd for. Now, by Heaven, Might I, so long as you have done, enjoy My love, it were bought cheaply with my life.

How hard my lot, unsatisfied, unbless'd!

How happy yours, in full possession!--One Of lib'ral birth, ingenuous disposition, And honest fame, without expense, you've got: The wife, whom you desir'd!--in all things bless'd, But want the disposition to believe so.

Had you, like me, a scoundrel pimp to deal with, Then you'd perceive--But sure 'tis in our nature Never to be contented.

ANT. Now to me, Phaedria, 'tis you appear the happy man.

Still quite at large, free to consider still, To keep, pursue, or quit her: I, alas!

Have so entangled and perplex'd myself, That I can neither keep nor let her go.

--What now? isn't that our Geta, whom I see Running this way?--'Tis he himself-- Ah me, How do I fear what news he brings!

SCENE IV.

_Enter at a distance _GETA, _running._

GETA. Confusion!

A quick thought, Geta, or you're quite undone, So many evils take you unprepar'd; Which I know neither how to shun nor how To extricate myself: for this bold stroke Of ours can't long be hid.

ANT. What's this confusion?

GETA. Then I have scarce a moment's time to think.

My master is arriv'd.

ANT. What mischief's that?

GETA. Who, when he shall have heard it, by what art Shall I appease his anger?--Shall I speak?

'Twill irritate him.--Hold my peace?--enrage him.---- Defend myself?--impossible?--Oh, wretch!

Now for myself in pain, now Antipho Distracts my mind.--But him I pity most; For him I fear; 'tis he retains me here: For, were it not for him, I'd soon provide For my own safety--aye, and be reveng'd On the old graybeard--carry something off, And show my master a light pair of heels.

ANT. What scheme to rob and run away is this?

GETA. But where shall I find Antipho? where seek him?

PHaeD. He mentions you.

ANT. I know not what, but doubt That he's the messenger of some ill news.

PHaeD. Have you your wits?

GETA. I'll home: he's chiefly there.

PHaeD. Let's call him back!

ANT. Holloa, you! stop!

GETA. Heyday!

Authority enough, be who you will.

ANT. Geta!

GETA (_turning_). The very man I wish'd to meet!

ANT. Tell us, what news?--in one word, if you can.

GETA. I'll do it.

ANT. Speak!

GETA. This moment at the port----

ANT. My father?

GETA. Even so.

ANT. Undone!

PHaeD. Heyday!

ANT. What shall I do?

PHaeD. What say you? (_To GETA._)