Scene III.

Antipho, Phædria .

Ant. Is it come to this? My father, Phædria! - my best friend! - That I Should tremble, when I think of his return! When, had I not been inconsiderate, I, as 'tis meet, might have expected him.

Phæd. What now?

Ant. Is that a question? and from you? Who know the atrocious fault I have committed? Oh, that it ne'er had enter'd Phormio's mind To give such counsel! nor to urge me on, In the extravagance of blind desire, To this rash act, the source of my misfortunes! I should not have possess'd her: that indeed Had made me wretched some few days. - But then This constant anguish had not torn my mind. -

Phæd. I hear you.

Ant. - While each moment I expect His coming to divorce me.

Phæd. Other men, For lack of what they love, are miserable; Abundance is your grievance. You're too rich A lover, Antipho! For your condition Is to be wish'd and pray'd for. Now, by Heaven, Might I, so long as you have done, enjoy My love, it were bought cheaply with my life. How hard my lot, unsatisfied, unbless'd! How happy yours, in full possession! - One Of lib'ral birth, ingenuous disposition, And honest fame, without expense, you've got: The wife, whom you desir'd! - in all things bless'd, But want the disposition to believe so. Had you, like me, a scoundrel pimp to deal with, Then you'd perceive - But sure 'tis in our nature Never to be contented.

Ant. Now to me, Phædria, 'tis you appear the happy man. Still quite at large, free to consider still, To keep, pursue, or quit her: I, alas! Have so entangled and perplex'd myself, That I can neither keep nor let her go. - What now? isn't that our Geta, whom I see Running this way? - 'Tis he himself - Ah me, How do I fear what news he brings!