What part?PHORMIOTo 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.ANTIPHOSee who’s coming out.PHORMIOIt’s Geta.

(Enter GETA, at a distance, hastily, from the house of DEMIPHO.)GETA(to himself.)O fortune! O good luck!O good luck: Fors fortuna,good fortune; while fortuna merely means chance. with blessings how great, how suddenly hast thou loaded this day with thy favors to my master Antipho!—ANTIPHO(apart to PHORMIO.)I wonder what it is he means.GETA(continuing.)And relieved us, his friends, from alarm; but I’m now delaying, in not throwing my cloakThrowing my cloak: When expedition was required, it was usual to throw the ends of the pallium, or cloak, over the shoulders. over my shoulder (throws it over his shoulder),and making haste to find him, that he may know what has happened.ANTIPHO(apart to PHORMIO.)Do you understand what he’s talking about?PHORMIO(apart to ANTIPHO.)Do you?ANTIPHO(apart to PHORMIO.)Not at all.PHORMIO(apart to ANTIPHO.)And I just as much.GETA(to himself.)I’ll be off hence to the Procurer’s; they are there just now. (Runs along.) ANTIPHO(calling out.)Halloo! Geta!GETA(still running.)There’s for you. Is it any thing new or wonderful to be called back, directly you’ve started?ANTIPHOGeta!GETADo you persist? Troth, you shall not on this occasion get the better of me by your annoyance.ANTIPHO(running after him.)Won’t you stop?GETAYou’ll be getting a beating.ANTIPHOAssuredly that will befall yourself just now unless you stop, you whip-knave. GETAThis 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.ANTIPHOWhat’s the matter?GETAO being most blessed of all men living! For without question, Antipho, you are the only favorite of the Gods.ANTIPHOSo I could wish; but I should like to be told why I’m to believe it is so.GETAIs it enough if I plunge you into a sea of joy?ANTIPHOYou are worrying me to death.PHORMIONay but do have done with your promises, and tell us what you bring.GETA(looking round.)Oh, are you here too, Phormio?PHORMIOI am: but why do you delay?