University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter CHREMES hastily.
Chre.
Ha! Demipho!
Has Phormio had the money yet?

Dem.
I paid him
Immediately.

Chre.
I'm sorry for't.—[ seeing Nausistrata.]
—My wife!
I'd almost said too much.

[aside.
Dem.
Why sorry, Chremes?

Chre.
Nothing.—No matter.

Dem.
Well, but hark ye, Chremes.
Have you been talking with the girl, and told her
Wherefore we bring your wife?

Chre.
I've settled it.

Dem.
Well, and what says she?

Chre.
'Tis impossible
To send her hence.

Dem.
And why impossible?

Chre.
Because they're both so fond of one another.

Dem.
What's that to Us?

Chre.
A great deal. And besides,
I have discover'd she's related to us.

Dem.
Have you your wits?

Chre.
'Tis so. I'm very serious.
—Nay, recollect a little!

Dem.
Are you mad?

Nau.
Good now, beware of wronging a relation!

Dem.
She's no relation to us.

Chre.
Don't deny it.
Her father had assum'd another name,
And that deceiv'd you.

Dem.
What! not know her father?

Chre.
Perfectly.

Dem.
Why did she misname him then?

Chre.
Won't you be rul'd, nor understand me then?

Dem.
What can I understand from nothing?

Chre.
Still?

[impatiently.
Nau.
I can't imagine what this means.

Dem.
Nor I.

Chre.
Wou'd you know all?—Why then, so help me heaven,
She has no nearer kindred in the world,
Than you and I.

Dem.
Oh, all ye pow'rs of heaven!
—Let us go to her then immediately:
I wou'd fain know, or not know, all at once.

[going.
Chre.
Ah!

[stopping him.
Dem.
What's the matter?

Chre.
Can't you trust me then?

Dem.
Must I believe it? take it upon trust?
—Well, be it so!—But what is to be done
With our friend's daughter?

Chre.
Nothing.

Dem.
Drop her?

Chre.
Ay.

Dem.
And keep this?

Chre.
Ay.

Dem.
Why then, Nausistrata,
You may return. We need not trouble you.

Nau.
Indeed, I think, 'tis better on all sides,
That you should keep her here, than send her hence.
For she appear'd to me, when first I saw her,
Much of a gentlewoman.

[Exit Nausistrata.