my life,
I scarce refrain'd from crying out for joy.

ANT. What?

GETA. What d'ye think? (_Laughing._)

ANT. I can't tell,

GETA. Oh! it was (_laughing._)
Most wonderful!--most exquisite!--your uncle
Is found to be the father of your wife.

ANT. How! what?

GETA. He had a sly intrigue, it seems,
With Phanium's mother formerly at Lemnos. (_Laughing._)

PHOR. Nonsense! as if she did not know her father!

GETA. Nay, there's some reason for it, Phormio,
You may be sure.--But was it possible
For me, who stood without, to comprehend
Each minute circumstance that pass'd within?

ANT. I have heard something of this story too.

GETA. Then, Sir, to settle your belief the more,
At last out comes your uncle; and soon after
Returns again, and carries in your father.
Then they both said, they gave their full consent
That you should keep your Phanium.--In a word,
I'm sent to find you out, and bring you to them.

ANT. Away with me then instantly! D'ye linger?

GETA. Not I. Away!

ANT. My Phormio, fare you well!

PHOR. Fare you well, Antipho! (_Exeunt._

SCENE IX.

_PHORMIO alone._

Well done, 'fore Heaven!
I'm overjoy'd to see so much good fortune
Fallen thus unexpectedly upon them:
I've now an admirable opportunity
To bubble the old gentlemen, and ease
Phaedria of all his cares about the money;
So that he need not be oblig'd to friends.
For this same money, though it will be given,
Will yet come from them much against the grain;
But I have found a way to force them to't.
--Now then I must assume a grander air,
And put another face upon this business.
--I'll hence a while into the next by-alley,
And pop upon them as they're coming forth.
--As for the trip I talk'd of to the fair,
I sha'n't pretend to take that journey now. (_Exit._

ACT THE FIFTH.

SCENE I.

_Enter DEMIPHO and CHREMES--and soon after, on t'other side, PHORMIO._

DEM. Well may we thank the gracious Gods, good brother,
That all things have succeeded to our wish.
--But now let's find out Phormio with all speed,
Before he throws away our thirty minae.

PHOR. (_pretending not to see him_).
I'll go and see if Demipho's at home,
That I may----

DEM. (_meeting him_).--We were coming to you, Phormio.

PHOR. On the old score, I warrant.

DEM. Aye.

PHOR. I thought so.
--Why should you go to me?--ridiculous!
Was you afraid I'd break my contract with you?
No, no! how great soe'er my poverty,
I've always shown myself