The Comedies of Terence Part 103

GETA. That I've seen His father, Sir,--your uncle.

ANT. How shall I, Wretch that I am! oppose this sudden evil!

Should I be so unhappy to be torn From thee, my Phanium, life's not worth my care.

GETA. Since that's the case then, Antipho, you ought To be the more upon your guard.

ANT. Alas!

I'm not myself.

GETA. But now you should be most so, Antipho.

For if your father should discern your fear, He'll think you conscious of a fault.

PHaeD. That's true.

ANT. I can not help it, nor seem otherwise.

GETA. How would you manage in worse difficulties?

ANT. Since I'm not equal to bear this, to those I should be more unequal.

GETA. This is nothing.

Pooh, Phaedria, let him go! why waste our time?

I will be gone. (_Going._)

PHaeD. And I. (_Going._)

ANT. Nay, prithee, stay!

What if I should dissemble?--Will that do?

(_Endeavoring to a.s.sume another air._

GETA. Ridiculous!

ANT. Nay, look at me! will that Suffice?

GETA. Not it.

ANT. Or this?

GETA. Almost.

ANT. Or this?

GETA. Aye! now you've hit it. Do but stick to that; Answer him boldly; give him hit for dash, Nor let him bear you down with angry words.

ANT. I understand you.

GETA. "Forc'd"--"against your will"---- "By law"--"by sentence of the court"--d'ye take me?

--But what old gentleman is that I see At t'other end o' th' street?

ANT. 'Tis he himself.

I dare not face him. (_Going._)

GETA. Ah! what is't you do?

Where d'ye run, Antipho! stay, stay, I say.

ANT. I know myself and my offense too well: To you, then, I commend my life and love. (_Exit._

[Changes:

_Harper_ At t'other end o' th' street?

ANT. 'Tis he himself.

_Colman 1768_ Turning the corner of the street?

ANT. 'Tis he.]

SCENE V.

_Manent PHaeDRIA and GETA._

PHaeD. Geta, what now?

GETA. You shall be roundly chid; I soundly drubb'd; or I am much deceiv'd.

--But what e'en now we counsel'd Antipho, It now behooves ourselves to practice, Phaedria.

PHaeD. Talk not of what behooves, but say at once What you would have me do.

GETA. Do you remember The plea whereon you both agreed to rest, At your first vent'ring on this enterprise?

"That Phormio's suit was just, sure, equitable, Not to be controverted."----

PHaeD. I remember.

GETA. Now then that plea! or, if it's possible, One better or more plausible.

PHaeD. I'll do't.

GETA. Do you attack him first! I'll lie in ambush, To reinforce you, if you give ground.

PHaeD. Well. (_They retire._)

SCENE VI.

_Enter DEMIPHO at another part of the stage._

DEM. How's this? a wife! what, Antipho! and ne'er Ask my consent?--nor my authority---- Or, grant we pa.s.s authority, not dread My wrath at least?--To have no sense of shame?

--Oh, impudence!--Oh, Geta, rare adviser!