Enter CTESIPHO and SYRUS from the house of MICIO. CTESIPHO My father gone into the country, say you? SYRUS with a careless air. Some time since. CTESIPHO Do tell me, I beseech you. SYRUS He is at the farm at this very moment,
 
 At this very moment : It is very doubtful whether the words " cum maxime " mean to signify exactly "at this moment," or are intended to signify the intensity with which Demea is laboring. I warrant—hard at some work or other. CTESIPHO I really wish, provided it be done with no prejudice to his health, I wish that he may so effectually tire himself, that, for the next three days together, he may be unable to arise from his bed. SYRUS So be it, and any thing still better than that,
 
 Any thing still better than that : Lemaire suggests that by these words Syrus intends to imply that he should not care if Demea were never to arise from his bed, but were to die there. Ctesipho, only taking him heartily to second his own wishes for the old man's absence, answers affirmatively "ita," "by all means," "exactly so." if possible. CTESIPHO Just so; for I do most confoundedly wish to pass this whole day in merry-making as I have begun it; and for no reason do I detest that farm so heartily as for its being so near town. If it were at a greater distance, night would overtake him there before he could return hither again. Now, when he doesn't find me there, he'll come running back here, I'm quite sure; he'll be asking me where I have been, that I have not seen him all this day: what am I to say? SYRUS Does nothing suggest itself to your mind? CTESIPHO Nothing whatever. SYRUS So much the worse
 
 So much the worse : Schmieder observes that " tanto nequior " might have two meanings,—"so much the worse for us," or, as the spectators might understand it, "so much the more worthless you." —have you no client, friend, or guest?
 CTESIPHO I have; what then? SYRUS You have been engaged with them. CTESIPHO When I have not been engaged? That can never do. SYRUS It may. CTESIPHO During the daytime; but if I pass the night here, what excuse can I make, Syrus? SYRUS Dear me, how much I do wish it was the custom for one to be engaged with friends at night as well! But you be easy; I know his humor perfectly well. When he raves the most violently, I can make him as gentle as a lamb. CTESIPHO In what way? SYRUS He loves to hear you praised: I make a god of you to him, and recount your virtues. CTESIPHO What, mine SYRUS Yours; immediately the tears fall from him as from a child, for very joy. Starting. Hah take care— CTESIPHO Why, what's the matter? SYRUS The wolf in the fable
 
 The wolf in the fable : This was a proverbial expression, tantamount to our saying, "Talk of the devil, he's sure to appear." Servius, in his Commentary on the Ninth Eclogue of Virgil, says that the saying arose from the common belief that the person whom a wolf sets his eyes, upon is deprived of his voice, and thence came to be applied to a person who, coming, upon others in the act of talking about him, necessarily put a stop to their conversation. Cooke says, in reference to this passage, "This certainly alludes to a Fable of Aesop's, of the Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape: which is translated by Phaedrus, and is the tenth of his First Book." It is much more certain that Cooke is mistaken here, and that the fable of the arbitration of the Ape between the Wolf and the Fox has nothing to do with this passage. If it alludes to any fable (which from the expression itself is riot at all unlikely), it is more likely to be that where the Nurse threatens that the wolf shall take the naughty Child, on which he makes his appearance, but is disappointed in his expectations, or else that of the Shepherd-boy and the Wolf. See the Stichus of Plautus, 1. 57, where the same. expression occurs. — CTESIPHO What! my father? SYRUS His own self. CTESIPHO What shall we do, Syrus? SYRUS You only be off in-doors, I'll see to that.
 CTESIPHO If he makes any inquiries, you have seen me no-where; do you hear? SYRUS Can you not be quiet? They retreat to the door of MICIO'S house, and CTESIPHO stands in the doorway. 
 Enter DEMEA, on the other side of the stage. DEMEA to himself. I certainly am an unfortunate man. In the first place, I can find my brother nowhere; and then, in the next place, while looking for him, I met a day-laborer Met a day-laborer : Donatus remarks that the Poet artfully contrives to detain Demea in town, his presence being necessary in the latter part of the Play. from the farm; he says that my son is not in the country, and what to do I know not— CTESIPHO apart. Syrus! SYRUS apart. What's the matter? CTESIPHO apart. Is he looking for me? SYRUS apart. Yes. CTESIPHO apart. Undone! SYRUS apart. Nay, do be of good heart. DEMEA to himself. Plague on it! what ill luck is this? I can not really account for it, unless I suppose myself only born for the purpose of enduring misery. I am the first to feel our misfortunes; the first to know of them all; then the first to carry the news; I am the only one, if any thing does go wrong, to take it to heart. SYRUS apart. I'm amused at him; he says that he is the first to know of every thing, while he is the only one ignorant of every thing. DEMEA to himself. I've now come back; and I'll go see whether perchance my brother has yet returned. CTESIPHO apart. Syrus, pray do take care that he doesn't suddenly rush in upon us here. SYRUS apart. Now will you hold your tongue? I'll take care. CTESIPHO apart. Never this day will I depend on your management for that, upon my faith; for I'll shut myself up with her in some cupboard
 
 With her in some cupboard : Donatus observes that the young man was silly in this, for if discovered to be there he would be sure to be-caught. His object, however, for going there would be that he might not be discovered. —that's the safest. Goes into the house. 
 SYRUS apart. Do so, still I'll get rid of him. DEMEA seeing SYRUS. But see! there's that rascal, Syrus. SYRUS aloud, pretending not to see DEMEA. Really, upon my faith, no person can stay here, if this is to be the case! ]For my part, I should like to know how many masters I have—what a cursed condition this is DEMEA What's he whining about? What does he mean? How say you, good sir, is my brother at home? SYRUS What the plague do you talk to me about, "good sir"? I'm quite distracted! DEMEA What's the matter with you? SYRUS Do you ask the question Ctesipho has been beating me, poor wretch, and that Music-girl, almost to death. DEMEA Ha! what is it you tell me? SYRUS Aye, see how he has cut my lip. Pretends to point to it. 
 DEMEA For what reason? SYRUS He says that she was bought by my advice. DEMEA Did not you tell me, a short time since, that you had seen him on his way into the country? SYRUS I did; but he afterward came back, raving like a madman; he spared nobody—ought he not to have been ashamed to beat an old man? Him whom, only the other day, I used to carry about in my arms when thus high? Showing. 
 DEMEA I commend him; O Ctesipho, you take after your father. Well, I do pronounce you a man. SYRUS Commend him? Assuredly he will keep his hands to himself in future, if he's wise. DEMEA 'Twas done with spirit. SYRUS Very much so, to be beating a poor woman, and me, a slave, who didn't dare strike him in return; heyday! very spirited indeed! DEMEA He could not have done better; he thought the same as I did, that you were the principal in this affair. But is my brother within?
 SYRUS He is not. DEMEA I'm thinking where to look for him. SYRUS I know where he is—but I shall not tell you at present. DEMEA Ha! what's that you say? SYRUS I do say so. DEMEA Then I'll break your head for you this instant. SYRUS I can't tell the person's name he's gone to, but I know the place where he lives. DEMEA Tell me the place then. SYRUS Do you know the portico down this way, just by the shambles? Pointing in the direction. 
 DEMEA How should I but know it? SYRUS Go straight along, right up that street; when you come there, there is a descent right opposite that goes down-ward, go straight down that; afterward, on this side extending one hand , there is a chapel: close by it is a narrow lane, where there's also a great wild fig-tree. DEMEA I know it. SYRUS Go through that— DEMEA But that lane is not a thoroughfare. SYRUS I' faith, that's true; dear, dear, would you take me to be in my senses?
 
 Take me to be in my senses : " Censen hominem me esse? " literally, "Do you take me to be a human being?" meaning, "Do you take me to be a person in my common senses?" I made a mistake. Return to the portico; indeed that will be a much nearer way, and there is less going round about you know the house of Cratinus, the rich man? DEMEA I know it. SYRUS When you have passed that, keep straight along that street on the left hand;
 
 Street on the left hand : Theobald, in his edition of Shakspeare, observes that the direction given by Lancelot in the Merchant of Venice seems to be copied from that given here by Syrus: "Turn up on your right hand at the next turning, but at the next turning of all on your left; marry, at the very next turning of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew's house." (2.2) 
 when you come to the Temple of Diana, turn to the right; before you come to the city gate, 
 Come to the city gate : From this we discover that Demea is being sent to the very extremity of the town, as Donatus informs us that ponds of water were always close to the gates of towns, for the purpose of watering the beasts. of burden, and of having a supply at hand in case the enemy should set fire to the city gates. just by that pond, there is a baker's shop, and opposite to it a joiner's; there he is.
 DEMEA What is he doing there? SYRUS He has given some couches to be made, with oaken legs, for use in the open air.
 
 The open air : Donatus remarks that it was usual for the Greeks to sit and drink in the sun; and that Syrus being suddenly asked this question shows his presence of mind by giving this circumstantial answer, that he may the better impose upon Demea. The couches used on such occasions may be presumed to have required stout legs, and to be made of hard wood, such as oak, to prevent them from splitting. Two instances of couches being used for carousing in the open air will be found in the last Scenes of the Asinaria and Stichus of Plautus. 
 DEMEA For you to carouse upon! Very fine ! But why do I delay going to him? (Exit.) 
 SYRUS Go, by all means. I'll work you to day, you skeleton,
 
 You skeleton : " Silicernium ." This was said to be the name of a funeral entertainment or dish of meats offered up to the " umbras " or " manes ," in silence. The word is also said to have been applied to an old man from his stooping postures, " silices cernit ," "he looks at the stones." as you deserve. Aeschinus loiters intolerably; the breakfast's spoiling; arid as for Ctesipho, he's head and ears in love.
 
 Head and ears in love : " Totus ," literally, "quite" or "altogether." I shall now think of myself, for I'll be off at once, and pick out the very nicest bit, and, leisurely sipping my cups,
 
 Sipping my cups : As to the " cyathi " and cups of the ancients, see the last Scene of the Stichus of Plautus, which is a perfect specimen of a carousal among the lower classes in ancient times. See also the last Scene of the Asinaria. The slaves generally appear to have taken part in the entertainments with their young masters. I'll lengthen out the day. Goes into the house. 
 Enter MICIO and HEGIO. MICIO I can see no reason here, Hegio, that I should be so greatly commended. I do my duty; the wrong that has originated with us I redress. Unless, perhaps, you thought me one of that class of men who think that an injury is purposely done them if you expostulate about any thing they have done; and yet are themselves the first to accuse. Because I have not acted thus, do you return me thanks? HEGIO Oh, far from it; I never led myself to believe you to be otherwise than you are; but I beg, Micio, that you will go with me to the mother of the young woman, and repeat to her the same; what you have told me, do you yourself tell the woman, that this suspicion of Aeschinus's fidelity was incurred on his brother's account, and that this Music-girl was for him. MICIO If you think I ought, or if there is a necessity for doing so, let us go. HEGIO You act with kindness; for you'll then both have relieved her mind who is now languishing in sorrow and affliction, and have discharged your duty. But if you think otherwise, I will tell her myself what you have been saying to me. MICIO Nay, I'll go as well. HEGIO You act with kindness; all who are in distressed circumstances are suspicious,
 
 Are suspicious : These lines are supposed to be founded on some verses of Menander which are still extant. to I know not what degree; they take every thing too readily as an affront; they fancy themselves trifled with on account of their helpless condition; therefore it will be more satisfactory for you to justify him to them yourself. They go into the house of SOSTRATA. 
 Enter AESCHINUS. I am quite distracted in mind! for this misfortune so unexpectedly to befall me, that I neither know what to do with myself, or how to act! My limbs are enfeebled through fear, my faculties bewildered with apprehension; no counsel is able to find a place within my breast. Alas! how to extricate myself from this perplexity I know not; so strong a suspicion has taken possession of them about me; not without some reason too: Sostrata believes that I have purchased this Music-girl for myself: the old woman informed me of that. For by accident, when she was sent for the midwife, I saw her, and at once went up to her. "How is Pamphila?" I inquired; "is her delivery at hand? Is it for that she is sending for the midwife?" "Away, away, Aeschinus," cries she; "you have deceived us long enough; already have your promises disappointed us sufficiently." "Ha !" said I; "pray what is the meaning of this?" "Farewell," she cries; "keep to her who is your choice." I instantly guessed what it was they suspected, but still I checked myself, that I might not be telling that gossip any thing about my brother, whereby it might be divulged. Now what am I to do? Shall I say she is for my brother, a thing that ought:by no means to be repeated any where? However, let that pass. It is possible it might go no further. I am afraid they would not believe it, so many probabilities concur against it; 'twas I myself carried her off; 'twas I, my own self, that paid the money for her; 'twas my own house she was carried to. This I confess has been entirely my own fault. Ought I not to have disclosed this affair, just as it happened, to my father? I might have obtained his consent to marry her. I have been too negligent hitherto; henceforth, then, arouse yourself, Aeschinus. This then is the first thing; to go to them and clear myself. I'll approach the door. Advances to the door of SOSTRATA'S house. Confusion! I always tremble most dreadfully when I go to knock at that door. Knocking and calling to them within. Ho there, ho there! it is Aeschinus; open the door immediately, some one. The door opens. Some person, I know not who, is coming out; I'll step aside here. He stands apart. 
 Enter MICIO from the house of SOSTRATA. MICIO speaking at the door to SOSTRATA. Do as I told you, Sostrata; I'll go find Aeschinus, that lie may know how these matters have been settled. Looking round. But who was it knocking at the door? AESCHINUS apart. Heavens, it is my father!—I am undone ! MICIO Aeschinus ! AESCHINUS aside. What can be his business here? MICIO Was it you knocking at this door? Aside. He is silent. Why shouldn't I rally him a little? It would be as well, as he was never willing to trust me with this secret. To AESCHINUS. Don't you answer me? AESCHINUS confusedly. It wasn't I knocked at that door, that I know of. MICIO Just so; for I wondered what business you could have here. Apart. He blushes; all's well. AESCHINUS Pray tell me, father, what business have you there? MICIO Why, none of my own; but a certain friend of mine just now brought me hither from the Forum to give him some assistance. AESCHINUS Why? MICIO I'll tell you. There are some women living here; in impoverished circumstances, as I suppose you don't know them; and, in fact, I'm quite sure, for it is not long since they removed to this place. AESCHINUS Well, what next? MICIO There is a girl living with her mother. AESCHINUS Go on. MICIO This girl has lost her father; this friend of mine is her next of kin; the law obliges him to marry her.
 
 Obliges him to marry her : It appears to have been a law given by Solon to the Athenians that the next male relative of suitable age should marry a female orphan himself, or find her a suitable portion. Madame Dacier suggests that the custom was derived from the Phoenicians, who had received it from the Jews, and quotes the Book of Numbers, xxxvi. 8. This law forms the basis of the plot of the Phormio. 
 AESCHINUS aside. Undone! MICIO What's the matter? AESCHINUS Nothing. Very well: proceed. MICIO He has come to take her with him; for he lives at Miletus .
 AESCHINUS What ! To take the girl away with him? MICIO Such is the act. AESCHINUS All the way to Miletus , pray?
 
 To Miletus , pray? : A colony of Athens , on the coast of Asia Minor . 
 MICIO Yes. AESCHINUS aside. I'm overwhelmed with grief To MICIO. But what of them? What do they say? MICIO What do you suppose they should? Why, nothing at all. The mother has trumped up a tale, that there is a child by some other man, I know not who, and she does not state the name; she says that he was the first, and that she ought not to be given to the other. AESCHINUS Well now, does not this seem just to you after all? MICIO No. AESCHINUS Why not, pray? Is the other to be carrying her away from here? MICIO Why should he not take her? AESCHINUS You have acted harshly and unfeelingly, and even, if, father, I may speak my sentiments more plainly, unhandsomely. MICIO Why so? AESCHINUS Do you ask me? Pray, what do you think must be the state of mind of the man who was first connected with her, who, to his misfortune, may perhaps still love her to distraction, when he sees her torn away from before his face, and borne off from his sight forever? An unworthy action, father! MICIO On what grounds is it so? Who betrothed her?
 
 Who betrothed her? : Donatus observes that these questions, which enumerate all the proofs requisite for a marriage, are an indirect and very delicate reproof of Aeschinus for the irregular and clandestine nature of his proceedings. Who gave her away? When and to whom was she married? Who was the author of all this? Why did he connect himself with a woman who belonged to another? AESCHINUS Was it to be expected that a young woman of her age should sit at home, waiting till a kinsman of hers should come from a distance? This, my father, you ought to have represented, and have insisted on it.
 MICIO Ridiculous! Was I to have pleaded against him whom I was to, support But what's all this, Aeschinus, to us? What have we to do with them? Let us begone:— What's the matter? Why these tears? AESCHINUS weeping. Father, I beseech you, listen to me. MICIO Aeschinus, I have heard and know it all; for I love you, and therefore every thing you do is the more a care to me. AESCHINUS So do I wish you to find me deserving of your love, as long as you live, my dear father, as I am sincerely sorry for the offense I have committed, and am ashamed to see you. MICIO Upon my word 1 believe it, for I know your ingenuous disposition: but I am afraid that you are too inconsiderate. In what city, pray, do you suppose you live? You have debauched a virgin, whom it was not lawful for you to touch. In the first place then that was a great offense; great, but still natural. Others, and even men of worth, have frequently done the same. But after it happened, pray, did you show any circumspection? Or did you use any foresight as to what was to be done, or how it was to be done? If you were ashamed to tell me of it, by what means was I to come to know it? While you were at a loss upon these points, ten months have been lost. So far indeed as lay in your power, you have periled both yourself and this poor girl, and the child. What did you imagine—that the Gods would set these matters to rights for you while you were asleep, and that she would be brought home to your chamber without any exertions of your own? I would not have you to be equally negligent in other affairs. Be of good heart, you shall have her for your wife. AESCHINUS Hah! MICIO Be of good heart, I tell you. AESCHINUS Father, are you now jesting with me, pray? MICIO I, jesting with you! For what reason? AESCHINUS I don't know; but so anxiously do I wish this to be true, that I am the more afraid it may not be. MICIO Go home, and pray to the Gods that you may have your wife; be off. AESCHINUS What! have my wife now?
 MICIO Now. AESCHINUS Now? MICIO Now, as soon as possible. AESCHINUS May all the Gods detest me, father, if I do not love you better than even my very eyes! MICIO What! better than her? AESCHINUS Quite as well. MICIO Very kind of you ! AESCHINUS Well, where is this Milesian? MICIO Departed, vanished, gone on board ship; but why do you delay? AESCHINUS Father, do you rather go and pray to the Gods; for I know, for certain, that they will rather be propitious to you,
 
 Propitious to you : Donatus remarks that there is great delicacy in this compliment of Aeschinus to Micio, which, though made in his presence, does not bear the semblance of flattery. Madame Dacier thinks that Terence here alludes to a line of Hesiod, which says that it is the duty of the aged to pray. Colman suggests that the passage is borrowed from some lines of Menander still in existence. as being a much better man than I am. MICIO I'll go in-doors, that what is requisite may be prepared. You do as I said, if you are wise. Goes into his house. 
 AESCHINUS alone. 
 AESCHINUS What can be the meaning of this? Is this being a father, or this being a son? If he had been a brother or familiar companion, how could he have been more complaisant ! Is he not worthy to be beloved? Is he not to be imprinted in my very bosom? Well then, the more does he impose an obligation on me by his kindness, to take due precaution not inconsiderately to do any thing that he may not wish. But why do I delay going in-doors this instant, that I may not myself delay my own nuptials? Goes into the house of MICIO.