forsooth, should be wiser than the handleThan the handle: He seems to compare Apaecides to the head of the hammer, and himself to the handle, and says that they are equally outwitted. He probably implies thereby that he has been in the habit of giving the impetus to Apaecides in the same way that the handle of the hammer does to the head.!(He stands aside.)

(Enter PHILIPPA, at a distance.)PHILIPPA(to herself.)If a mortal being has aught of misery, through which, miserable creature, to be wretched from the heart, that same do I experience, for whom full many a woe unites in the same spot, which, all, at the same instant are beating against my breast. A multitude of troubles keep me in suspense. Poverty and misery alarm the thoughts of my heart; nor have I anywhere a spot of safety where to fix my hopes; in such a way has my daughter fallen into the power of the enemyInto the power of the enemy: Though this has happened probably some time since, Philippa has not had an opportunity till now of coming in search of her daughter, by reason of the continuance of war. As soon as peace is made, she repairs to Athens,; nor do I know where she now is.PERIPHIANES(apart.)Who is this woman coming from a distance with a breast filled with alarms, and who thus bewails her lot?PHILIPPA(to herself.)It was told me that Periphanes was living in this neighbourhood.PERIPHIANES(apart.)She’s mentioning me; need of hospitality has befallen her, I suppose.PHILIPPA(to herself.)I would be very willing to give a reward to any one who would point me out that man, or where he dwells.PERIPHIANES(apart.)I recognize her; for I think I have seen her before; where, I know not. Is it, or is it not she, whom my mind suspects her to be?PHILIPPA(seeing him.)Good Gods! I have seen this person before!PERIPHIANES(to himself.)It surely is she, a poor woman whom I remember having an intrigue with at Epidaurus.PHILIPPA(to herself.)Surely it is he, who at Epidaurus first violated my maiden modesty.PERIPHIANES(to himself.)She who had the daughter by me whom I’ve now got at home.PHILIPPA(to herself.)What if I accost him?PERIPHIANES(to himself.)I don’t know whether to make up to her. If this is she—PHILIPPA(to herself.)But if it is the man, as length of years renders me doubtful—PERIPHIANES(to himself.)Length of time renders my mind uncertain. But if it is she, whom with some doubt I conjecture it to be, I’ll accost her circumspectly.PHILIPPA(to herself.)A woman’s artfulness must be employed by me.PERIPHIANES(to himself.)I’ll address her. PHILIPPA(to herself.)I’ll bring my powers of conversation to bear against him.PERIPHIANES(accosting her.)Health to you!PHILIPPA That health I accept for me and mine.PERIPHIANES What besides?PHILIPPA Health to yourself; what you lent me, I return.PERIPHIANES I don’t impeach your punctuality. Don’t I know you?PHILIPPA If I know you, I’ll move your feelings, so that you shall know me.PERIPHIANES Where have I been in the habit of seeing you?PHILIPPA You are unfairly hard upon me.PERIPHIANES Why so?