Scene II

Enter, at another part of the stage, Geta.

Geta (to himself). I never saw a more shrewd rogue than Phormio.

I came to let him know we wanted money,

With my device for getting it; and scarce

With my advice for getting it; and scarce

Had I related half, but he conceiv’d me.

He was o’erjoy’d; commended me; demanded

To meet with Demipho; and thank’d the god;

That it was now the time to show himself

As truly Phædria’s friend as Antipho’s.

I bade him wait us at the Forum; whither

I’d bring th’ old gentleman.—And there he is!

—But who’s the furthermost? Ha! Phædria’s father.

—Yet what was I afraid of, simpleton?

That I have got two dupes instead of one?

Is it not better that my hopes are doubled?

—I’ll attack him, I first propos’d. If he

Answers my expectation, well: if not,

Why then have at you, uncle!