I’ll have it stated to whom I pay it, and for what purpose I pay it.GETA(apart.)How cautious he is, when there’s no need for it!CHREMESWhy yes, you had need do so, and with all haste, while the fit is upon him; for if this other woman shall prove more pressing, perhaps he may throw us over.GETAYou’ve hit upon the very thing.DEMIPHOLead me to him then.GETAI won’t delay.CHREMES(to DEMIPHO.)When you’ve done so, go over to my wife, that she may call upon her before she goes away.She must tell her that we are going to give her in marriage to Phormio, that she may not be angry with us; and that he is a fitter match for her, as knowing more of her; that we have in no way departed from our duty; that as much has been given for a portion as he asked for.DEMIPHOWhat the plague does that matter to you?CHREMESA great deal, Demipho. It is not enough for you to do your duty, if common report does not approve of it;I wish all this to be done with her own sanction as well, that she mayn’t be saying that she has been turned out of doors.DEMIPHOI can do all that myself.CHREMESIt will come better from one woman to another.DEMIPHOI’ll ask her.(Goes into the house of CHREMES; and exit GETA.)CHREMES(to himself.)I’m thinking where I can find them now.Can find them now: His Lemnian wife and daughter. Colman remarks: This is intended as a transition to the next Scene; but I think it would have been better if it had followed without this kind of introduction. The Scene itself is admirable, and is, in many places, both affecting and comic, and the discovery of the real character of Phanium is made at a very proper time.

(Enter SOPHRONA from the house of DEMIPHO, at a distance.)SOPHRONA(to herself.)What am I to do? What friend, in my distress, shall I find, to whom to disclose these plans; and where shall I look for relief? For I’m afraid that my mistress, in consequence of my advice, may undeservingly sustain some injury, so extremely ill do I hear that the young man’s father takes what has happened.CHREMES(apart, to himself.)But what old woman’s this, that has come out of my brother’s house, half dead with fright?SOPHRONA(to herself, continuing)It was distress that compelled me to this step, though I knew that the match was not likely to hold good; my object was, that in the mean time life might be supported.CHREMES(apart, to himself.)Upon my faith, surely, unless my recollection deceives me, or my sight’s not very good, I espy my daughter’s nurse.My daughter’s nurse: Among the ancients, it was the custom for nurses who had brought up children to remain with them in after-life. SOPHRONA(to herself.)And we are not able to find—CHREMES(apart.)What must I do?SOPHRONA(to herself.)Her father.CHREMES(to himself, apart.)Shall I accost her, or shall I wait to learn more distinctly what it is she’s saying?SOPHRONA(to herself)If now I could find him, there’s nothing that I should be in fear of.CHREMES(apart, to himself, aloud.)’Tis the very woman. I’ll address her.SOPHRONA(turning round.)Who’s that speaking here?CHREMES(coming forward.)Sophrona.SOPHRONAMentioning my name, too?