Act III, Scene V

Enter DEMIPHO and CHREMES, from the house of the latter, the former with a purse of money.

DEM. Do be quiet, I tell you; I’ll take care he shall not be playing any tricks upon us. I’ll not rashly part with this without having my witnesses; 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!

CHREM. Why 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.

GETA. You’ve hit upon the very thing.

DEM. Lead me to him then.

GETA. I won’t delay.

CHREM. (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.

DEM. What the plague does that matter to you?

CHREM. A 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.

DEM. I can do all that myself.

CHREM. It will come better from one woman to another.

DEM. I’ll ask her. (Goes into the house of CHREMES; and exit GETA.)

CHREM. (to himself.) I’m thinking where I can find them now.