Chapter 134

_Enter ÆSCHINUS._

ÆSCH. They murder me with their delays; and while They lavish all this pomp upon the nuptials, They waste the livelong day in preparation.

DEM. How does my son?

ÆSCH. My father! are you here?

DEM. Aye, by affection, and by blood your father, Who love you better than my eyes.--But why Do you not call the bride?

ÆSCH. 'Tis what I long for: But wait the music and the singers.

DEM. Pshaw! Will you for once be rul'd by an old fellow?

ÆSCH. Well?

DEM. Ne'er mind singers, company, lights, music; But tell them to throw down the garden-wall, As soon as possible. Convey the bride That way, and lay both houses into one. Bring too the mother, and whole family, Over to us.

ÆSCH. I will. O charming father!

DEM. (_aside_). _Charming!_ See there! he calls me _charming_ now. --My brother's house will be a thoroughfare; Throng'd with whole crowds of people; much expense Will follow; very much: what's that to me? I am call'd _charming_, and get into favor. --Ho! order Babylo immediately To pay him twenty minæ.--Prithee, Syrus, Why don't you execute your orders?

SYRUS. What?

DEM. Down with the wall!-- (_Exit SYRUS._) You, Geta, go and bring The ladies over.

GETA. Heaven bless you, Demea, For all your friendship to our family! (_Exit GETA._

DEM. They're worthy of it.--What say you to this? (_To ÆSCHINUS._)

ÆSCH. I think it admirable.

DEM. 'Tis much better Than for a poor soul, sick, and lying-in, To be conducted through the street.

ÆSCH. I never Saw any thing concerted better, Sir.

DEM. 'Tis just my way.--But here comes Micio.