Phormio: Act the Fifth: Scene II

NAUS. (to CHREMES). Pray, my dear,What's this disturbance?PHOR. Dumb, old Truepenny!

CHREM. Never believe him!

PHOR. Do but go and touch him;He's in a shivering fit, I'll lay my life.NAUS. But what means he then?

PHOR. I'll tell you, madam;Do but attend!

CHREM. Will you believe him then?

PHOR. Oh, not at all!--And sinceYou're in no fright, and what I say means nothing,Tell it yourself.DEM. At your desire, you rascal?

PHOR. Oh, you've done rarely for your brother, Sir!

NAUS. What! Won't you tell me, husband?

NAUS. But what?

CHREM. There's no occasion for it.

PHOR. Not for you:But for the Lady there is much occasion.In Lemnos----CHREM. Ha! what say you?

DEM. (to PHORMIO). Hold your peace!

CHREM. Oh dear!

PHOR. He has hadAnother wife.NAUS. My husband? Heav'n forbid!

PHOR. 'Tis even so.

NAUS. Ah me! I am undone.

PHOR. --And had a daughter by her there; while youWas left to sleep in ignorance alone.

PHOR. 'Tis fact.

NAUS. Was ever any thing more infamous?When they're with us, their wives forsooth, they're old.--Demipho, I appeal to you: for himI can not bear to speak to.--And were theseHis frequent journeys and long stay at Lemnos?Was this the cheapness that reduc'd our rents?

DEM. That he has been to blame, Nausistrata,I don't deny; but not beyond all pardon.

PHOR. You're talking to the dead.

DEM. It was not doneOut of aversion or contempt to you.In liquor, almost fifteen years ago,He met this woman, whence he had this daughter;Nor e'er had commerce with her from that hour.She's dead: your only grievance is remov'd.Wherefore I beg you'd show your wonted goodness,And bear it patiently.

NAUS. How! bear it patiently?Alas! I wish his vices might end here.But have I the least hope? can I supposeThat years will cure these rank offenses in him?Ev'n at that time he was already old,If age could make him modest.--Are my yearsAnd beauty, think ye, like to please him moreAt present, Demipho, than formerly?--In short, what ground, what reason to expectThat he should not commit the same hereafter?

PHOR. (aloud). Whoever would attend the funeralOf Chremes, now's the time!--See! that's my way.Come on then! provoke Phormio now, who dares!Like Chremes, he shall fall a victim to me.--Let him get into favor when he will!I've had revenge sufficient. She has somethingTo ring into his ears his whole life long.

NAUS. Have I deserv'd this?--Need I, Demipho,Number up each particular, and sayHow good a wife I've been?DEM. I know it all.

NAUS. Am I then justly treated?

DEM. Not at all.But since reproaches can't undo what's done,Forgive him! he begs pardon; owns his fault;And promises to mend.--What would you more?

PHOR. But hold; before she ratifies his pardon,I must secure myself and Phaedria. (Aside.)--Nausistrata, a word!--Before you giveYour answer rashly, hear me!

NAUS. What's your pleasure?

PHOR. I trick'd your husband there of thirty minae,Which I have giv'n your son; and he has paid themTo a procurer for a mistress.

CHREM. How!What say you?

NAUS. Is it such a heinous crimeFor your young son, d'ye think, to have one mistress,While you have two wives?--Are you not asham'd?Have you the face to chide him? answer me!DEM. He shall do ev'ry thing you please.

NAUS. Nay, nay,To tell you plainly my whole mind at once,I'll not forgive, nor promise any thing,Nor give an answer, till I see my son.

PHOR. Wisely resolv'd, Nausistrata.

NAUS. Is thatSufficient satisfaction for you?

PHOR. Quite.I rest contented, well pleas'd, past my hopes.

NAUS. What is your name, pray?

PHOR. My name? Phormio:A faithful friend to all your family,Especially to Phaedria.

NAUS. Trust me, Phormio,I'll do you all the service in my power.PHOR. I'm much oblig'd to you.

NAUS. You're worthy on't.

PHOR. Will you then even now, Nausistrata,Grant me one favor that will pleasure me,And grieve your husband's sight?NAUS. With all my soul.

PHOR. Ask me to supper!

NAUS. I invite you.

NAUS. We will. But where is Phaedria, our judge?

PHOR. He shall be with you.-- (To the AUDIENCE.)Farewell; Clap your hands!