Act I, Scene V

PHÆDRIA and GETA.

PHÆD. Geta, what’s to be done now?

GETA. You will just hear some harsh language: I shall be trussed up and trounced, if I am not somewhat mistaken. But what we were just now advising Antipho to do, the same we must do ourselves, Phædria.

PHÆD. Away with your “musts;” rather do you command me what I am to do.

GETA. Do you remember what were your words formerly on our entering upon this project, with the view of protecting yourselves from ill consequences-- that their cause was just, clear, unanswerable, and most righteous?

PHÆD. I remember it.

GETA. Well then, now there’s need of that plea, or of one still better and more plausible, if such there can be.

PHÆD. I’ll use my best endeavors.

GETA. Do you then accost him first; I’ll be here in reserve, by way of reinforcement, if you give ground at all.

PHÆD. Very well. (They retire to a distance.)