How well each keeps up to his character! PHAEDRIA(to himself.)And would that this misfortune had not befallen me at a time when Antipho was occupied with other cares as well.ANTIPHO(coming forward.)Ah Phaedria, why, what is the matter?PHAEDRIAO most fortunate Antipho!ANTIPHOWhat, I?PHAEDRIATo have in your possession the object of your love, and have no occasion to encounter such a nuisance as this.ANTIPHOWhat I, in my possession? Why yes, as the saying is, I’ve got a wolf by the ears;A wolf by the ears: A proverbial expression which, according to Suetonius, was frequently in the mouth of Tiberius Caesar. for I neither know how to get rid of her, nor yet how to keep her.DORIOThat’s just my case with regard to him (pointing to PHAEDRIA).ANTIPHO(to DORIO.)Aye, aye, don’t you show too little of the Procurer. (To PHAEDRIA.) What has he been doing?PHAEDRIAWhat, he? Acting the part of a most inhuman fellow; been and sold my Pamphila.GETAWhat! Sold her?ANTIPHOSold her, say you?PHAEDRIASold her.DORIO(ironically.)What a shocking crime—a wench bought with one’s own money!PHAEDRIAI can not prevail upon him to wait for me the next three days, and so far break off the bargain with the person, while I get the money from my friends, which has been promised me; if I don’t give it him then, let him not wait a single hour longer.DORIOVery good.ANTIPHOIt’s not a long time that he asks, Dorio; do let him prevail upon you; he’ll pay you two-fold for having acted to him thus obligingly.DORIOMere words!ANTIPHOWill you allow Pamphila to be carried away from this place? And then, besides, can you possibly allow their love to be severed asunder?DORIONeither I nor you cause that. GETAMay all the Gods grant you what you are deserving of!DORIOI have borne with you for several months quite against my inclination; promising and whimpering, and yet bringing nothing; now, on the other hand, I have found one to pay, and not be sniveling; give place to your betters.ANTIPHOI’ faith, there surely was a day named, if I remember right, for you to pay him.PHAEDRIAIt is the fact.DORIODo I deny it?ANTIPHOIs that day past, then?DORIONo; but this one has come before it.ANTIPHOAre you not ashamed of your perfidy?