Chapter 182

_Re-enter DEMIPHO and CHREMES._

DEM. Nay, peace! I'll warrant he shall play no tricks upon us: I'll not part rashly with it, I assure you; But pay it before witnesses, reciting To whom 'tis paid, and why 'tis paid.

GETA. How cautious, Where there is no occasion! (_Aside._)

CHREM. You had need. But haste, dispatch it while the fit's upon him: For if the other party should be pressing, Perhaps he'll break with us.

GETA. You've hit it, Sir.

DEM. Carry me to him then.

GETA. I wait your pleasure.

CHREM. (_to DEMIPHO_). When this is done, step over to my wife, That she may see the girl before she goes; And tell her, to prevent her being angry, "That we've agreed to marry her to Phormio, Her old acquaintance, and a fitter match; That we have not been wanting in our duty, But giv'n as large a portion as he ask'd."

DEM. Pshaw! what's all this to you?

CHREM. A great deal, brother.

DEM. Is't not sufficient to have done your duty, Unless the world approves it?

CHREM. I would choose To have the whole thing done by her consent, Lest she pretend she was turn'd out o' doors.

DEM. Well, I can say all this to her myself.

CHREM. A woman deals much better with a woman.

DEM. I'll ask your wife to do it then. (_Exeunt DEMIPHO and GETA._

CHREM. I'm thinking Where I shall find these women now.

[Changes:

_Harper_ Lest she pretend she was turn'd out o' doors. _Colman 1768_ Lest she pretend we turn'd her out o' doors.]