Scene VIII.

Enter hastily, at another part of the stage, Geta .

Geta. O fortune, O best fortune, what high blessings, What sudden, great, and unexpected joys Hast thou shower'd down on Antipho to-day! -

Ant. What can this be he's so rejoic'd about?

Geta. - And from what fears deliver'd us, his friends? - But wherefore do I loiter thus? and why Do I not throw my cloak upon my shoulder, And haste to find him out, that he may know All that has happen'd?

Ant. (to Phormio ). Do you comprehend What he is talking of?

Phor. Do you?

Ant. Not I.

Phor. I'm just as wise as you.

Geta. I'll hurry hence To the procurer's. - I shall find them there. (Going.)

Ant. Ho, Geta!

Geta. Look ye there! - Is't new or strange, To be recall'd when one's in haste? (Going.)

Ant. Here, Geta!

Geta. Again? bawl on! I'll ne'er stop. (Going on.)

Ant. Stay, I say!

Geta. Go, and be drubb'd!

Ant. You shall, I promise you, Unless you stop, you rascal!

Geta (stopping). Hold, hold, Geta! Some intimate acquaintance this, be sure, Being so free with you. - But is it he That I am looking for, or not? - 'Tis he.

Phor. Go up immediately. (They go up to Geta .)

Ant. (to Geta ). What means all this?

Geta. O happy man! the happiest man on earth! So very happy, that, beyond all doubt, You are the God's chief fav'rite, Antipho.

Ant. Would I were! but your reason.

Geta. Is't enough To plunge you over head and ears in joy?

Ant. You torture me.

Phor. No promises! but tell us What is your news?

Geta. Oh, Phormio! are you here?

Phor. I am: but why d'ye trifle?

Geta. Mind me then! (To Phormio .) No sooner had we paid you at the Forum, But we return'd directly home again. - Arriv'd, my master sends me to your wife. (To Antipho .)

Ant. For what?

Geta. No matter now, good Antipho. I was just entering the women's lodging, When up runs little Mida; catches me Hold by the cloak behind, and pulls me back. I turn about, and ask why he detains me. He told me, "Nobody must see his mistress: For Sophrona," says he, "has just now brought Demipho's brother, Chremes, here; and he Is talking with the women now within." - When I heard this, I stole immediately On tip-toe tow'rd the door; came close; stood hush; Drew in my breath; applied my ear; and thus, Deep in attention, catch'd their whole discourse.

Ant. Excellent, Geta!

Geta. Here I overheard The pleasantest adventure! On my life, I scarce refrain'd from crying out for joy.

Ant. What?

Geta. What d'ye think? (Laughing.)

Ant. I can't tell,

Geta. Oh! it was (laughing.) Most wonderful! - most exquisite! - your uncle Is found to be the father of your wife.

Ant. How! what?

Geta. He had a sly intrigue, it seems, With Phanium's mother formerly at Lemnos. (Laughing.)

Phor. Nonsense! as if she did not know her father!

Geta. Nay, there's some reason for it, Phormio, You may be sure. - But was it possible For me, who stood without, to comprehend Each minute circumstance that pass'd within?

Ant. I have heard something of this story too.

Geta. Then, Sir, to settle your belief the more, At last out comes your uncle; and soon after Returns again, and carries in your father. Then they both said, they gave their full consent That you should keep your Phanium. - In a word, I'm sent to find you out, and bring you to them.

Ant. Away with me then instantly! D'ye linger?

Geta. Not I. Away!

Ant. My Phormio, fare you well!

Phor. Fare you well, Antipho!

Exeunt.