Phormio; or, The Scheming Parasite (835b-858b)

What part?

To run away from his father; he begs that you in your return will act on his behalf—to plead his cause for him. For he’s going to carouse at my house. I shall tell the old man that I’m going to Sunium, to the fair, to purchase the female servant that Geta mentioned a while since, so that, when they don’t see me here, they mayn’t suppose that I’m squandering their money.

But there is a noise at the door of your house.

See who’s coming out.

It’s Geta.

O fortune! O good luck![*] with blessings how great, how suddenly hast thou loaded this day with thy favors to my master Antipho!—

I wonder what it is he means.

And relieved us, his friends, from alarm; but I’m now delaying, in not throwing my cloak[*] over my shoulder (throws it over his shoulder),

and making haste to find him, that he may know what has happened.

Do you understand what he’s talking about?

Do you?

Not at all.

And I just as much.

I’ll be off hence to the Procurer’s; they are there just now. (Runs along.)

Halloo! Geta!

There’s for you. Is it any thing new or wonderful to be called back, directly you’ve started?

Geta!

Do you persist? Troth, you shall not on this occasion get the better of me by your annoyance.

Won’t you stop?

You’ll be getting a beating.

Assuredly that will befall yourself just now unless you stop, you whip-knave.

This must be some one pretty familiar, threatening me with a beating. (Turns round.) But is it the person I’m in search of or not? ’Tis the very man! Up to him at once.

What’s the matter?

O being most blessed of all men living! For without question, Antipho, you are the only favorite of the Gods.

So I could wish; but I should like to be told why I’m to believe it is so.

Is it enough if I plunge you into a sea of joy?

You are worrying me to death.

Nay but do have done with your promises, and tell us what you bring.

Oh, are you here too, Phormio?

I am: but why do you delay?