Scene IV.

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 .