Chapter 181

_Manent ANTIPHO, GETA._

ANT. (_coming forward_). Geta!

GETA. Ha, Antipho!

ANT. What have you done!

GETA. Trick'd the old bubbles of their money.

ANT. Well, Is that sufficient, think ye?

GETA. I can't tell. 'Twas all my orders.

ANT. Knave, d'ye shuffle with me? (_Kicks him._)

GETA. Plague! what d'ye mean?

ANT. What do I mean, Sirrah! You've driven me to absolute perdition. All pow'rs of heav'n and hell confound you for't, And make you an example to all villains! --Here! would you have your business duly manag'd, Commit it to this fellow!--What could be More tender than to touch upon this sore, Or even name my wife? my father's fill'd With hopes that she may be dismiss'd.--And then, If Phormio gets the money for the portion, He, to be sure, must marry her.--And what Becomes of me then?

GETA. He'll not marry her.

ANT. Oh, no: but when they redemand the money, On my account he'll rather go to jail! (_Ironically._)

GETA. Many a tale is spoiled in telling, Antipho. You take out all the good, and leave the bad. --Now hear the other side--If he receives The money, he must wed the girl: I grant it. But then some little time must be allow'd For wedding-preparation, invitation, And sacrifices.--Meanwhile, Phædria's friends Advance the money they have promis'd him: Which Phormio shall make use of for repayment.

ANT. How so? what reason can he give?

GETA. What reason? A thousand.--"Since I made this fatal bargain, Omens and prodigies have happen'd to me. There came a strange black dog into my house! A snake fell through the tiling! a hen crow'd! The Soothsayer forbade it! The Diviner Charg'd me to enter on no new affair Before the winter."--All sufficient reasons. Thus it shall be.

ANT. Pray Heav'n it may be!

GETA. It shall. Depend on me:--But here's your father.--Go; Tell Phædria that the money's safe. (_Exit ANTIPHO._