Scene II.

Enter Demea at another part of the stage.

Dem. Verily I am A most unhappy man! for first of all, I can not find my brother any where: And then besides, in looking after him, I chanc'd on one of my day laborers, Who had but newly left my farm, and told me Ctesipho was not there. What shall I do?

(Ctes. and Syrus. Apart.)

Ctes. (peeping out.) Syrus?

Syrus. What?

Ctes. Does he seek me?

Syrus. Yes.

Ctes. Undone!

Syrus. Courage!

Dem. (to himself). Plague on it, what ill luck is this? I can't account for it: but I believe That I was born for nothing but misfortunes. I am the first who feels our woes; the first Who knows of them; the first who tells the news: And come what may, I bear the weight alone.

Syrus (behind). Ridiculous! he says he knows all first; And he alone is ignorant of all.

Dem. I'm now return'd to see if Micio Be yet come home again.

Ctes. (peeping out). Take care, good Syrus, He don't rush in upon us unawares!

Syrus. Peace! I'll take care.

Ctes. 'Faith, I'll not trust to you, But shut myself and her in some by-place Together: that's the safest.

Syrus. Well, away! ( Ctesipho disappears.) I'll drive the old man hence, I warrant you.

Dem. (seeing Syrus ). But see that rascal Syrus coming hither!

Syrus (advancing hastily, and pretending not to see Demea ). By Hercules, there is no living here, For any one, at this rate. - I'd fain know How many masters I'm to have. - Oh monstrous!

Dem. What does he howl for? what's the meaning on't? Hark ye, my good Sir! prithee tell me if My brother be at home.

Syrus. My good Sir! Plague! Why do you come with your good Sirs to me? I'm half-kill'd.

Dem. What's the matter?

Syrus. What's the matter! Ctesipho, vengeance on him, fell upon me, And cudgel'd me and the poor Music-Girl Almost to death.

Dem. Indeed?

Syrus. Indeed. Nay see How he has cut my lip. (Pretending to show it.)

Dem. On what account?

Syrus. The girl, he says, was bought by my advice.

Dem. Did not you say you saw him out of town A little while ago?

Syrus. And so I did. But he came back soon after, like a madman. He had no mercy. - Was not he asham'd To beat a poor old fellow? to beat me; Who bore him in my arms but t'other day, An urchin thus high? (Showing.)

Dem. Oh rare, Ctesipho! Father's own son! a man, I warrant him.

Syrus. Oh rare, d'ye cry? I' faith, if he is wise, He'll hold his hands another time.

Dem. Oh brave!

Syrus. Oh mighty brave, indeed! - Because he beat A helpless girl, and me a wretched slave, Who durst not strike again; - oh, to be sure, Mighty brave, truly!

Dem. Oh, most exquisite! My Ctesipho perceived, as well as I, That you was the contriver of this business. - But is my brother here?

Syrus. Not he. (Sulkily.)

Dem. I'm thinking Where I shall seek him.

Syrus. I know where he is: But I'll not tell.

Dem. How, Sirrah?

Syrus. Even so.

Dem. I'll break your head.

Syrus. I can not tell the name Of him he's gone to, but I know the place.

Dem. Well, where's the place?

Syrus. D'ye know the Portico Just by the market, down this way? (Pointing.)

Dem. I do.

Syrus. Go straight along that street: and at the end You'll see a hill; go straight down that: and then On this hand, there's a chapel; and just by A narrow lane. (Pointing.)

Dem. Where? (Looking.)

Syrus. There; by the great wild fig-tree. D'ye know it, Sir?

Dem. I do.

Syrus. Go through that lane.

Dem. That lane's no thoroughfare.

Syrus. Aye, very true: No more it is, Sir. - What a fool I am! I was mistaken - You must go quite back Into the portico; and after all, This is the nearest and the safest way. - D'ye know Cratinus' house? the rich man?

Dem. Aye.

Syrus. When you've pass'd that, turn short upon the left. Keep straight along that street, and when you reach Diana's Temple, turn upon the right. And then, on this side of the city gate, Just by the pond, there is a baker's shop, And opposite a joiner's. - There he is.

Dem. What business has he there?

Syrus. He has bespoke Some tables to be made with oaken legs To stand the sun.

Dem. For you to drink upon. Oh brave! But I lose time. I'll after him.

Exit hastily.