to cultivate; full oft, in the mean time, did the old. man tell me that this kinsman of his neglected him: but what a man? The very best I ever saw in all my life. GETA (in a loud voice.) Look to yourself as well as to him, how you speak. PHORMIO (with affected indignation.) Away, to utter perdition, with you. For if I had not formed such an opinion of him, I should never have incurred such enmity with your family on her account, whom he now slights in such an ungenerous manner. GETA (aloud.) What, do you persist in speaking abusively of my master in his absence, you most abominable fellow? PHORMIO Why, it’s just what he deserves. GETA (aloud.) Say you so, you jail-bird? DEMIPHO (calling aloud.) Geta! GETA (aloud.) A plunderer of people’s property—a perverter of the laws! DEMIPHO (calling aloud.) Geta! PHORMIO (apart, in a low voice.) Answer him. GETA Who is it? (Looking round.) Oh!— DEMIPHO Hold your peace. GETA He has never left off uttering abuse against you behind your back, unworthy of you, and just befitting himself. DEMIPHO Well now, have done. (Addressing PHORMIO.) Young man, in the first place, with your good leave, I ask you this, if you may possibly be pleased to give me an answer: explain to me who this friend of yours was, that you speak of, and how he said that he was related to me. PHORMIO (sneeringly.) You are fishing it out, just as if you didn’t know. DEMIPHO I, know? PHORMIO Yes. DEMIPHO I say I do not; you, Who affirm it, recall it to my recollection. PHORMIO Come now, didn’t you know your own cousin-ger-man? DEMIPHO You torture me to death; tell me his name. PHORMIO His name? DEMIPHO Of course. (PHORMIO hesitates.) Why are you silent now? PHORMIO (aside.) Heavens, I’m undone; I’ve forgot the name. DEMIPHO Well, what do you say? PHORMIO (aside, to GETA.) Geta, if you recollect the name I told you a short time since, prompt me. (Aloud, to DEMIPHO.) Well then, I sha’n’t tell you; as if you didn’t know, you come to pump me. DEMIPHO I, come to pump you, indeed? GETA (whispering to PHORMIO.) Stilpho.