ur 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 done
Out 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 suppose
That 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 years
And beauty, think ye, like to please him more
At present, Demipho, than formerly?
--In short, what ground, what reason to expect
That he should not commit the same hereafter?

PHOR. (_aloud_). Whoever would attend the funeral
Of 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 something
To ring into his ears his whole life long.

NAUS. Have I deserv'd this?--Need I, Demipho,
Number up each particular, and say
How 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 give
Your 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 them
To a procurer for a mistress.

CHREM. How!
What say you?

NAUS. Is it such a heinous crime
For 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 that
Sufficient 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 f