um and my own existence. (_Exit hastily._

SCENE V.

_PHAEDRIA and GETA._

PHAED. 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, Phaedria.

PHAED. 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?

PHAED. 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.

PHAED. I'll use my best endeavors.

GETA. Do you then accost him first; I'll be here in reserve,[37] by
way of reinforcement, if you give ground at all.

PHAED. Very well. (_They retire to a distance._)

SCENE VI.

_Enter DEMIPHO, at the other side of the stage._

DEM. (_to himself._) And is it possible that Antipho has taken a wife
without my consent? and that no authority of mine-- but let alone
"authority"[38]-- no displeasure of mine, at all events, has he been
in dread of? To have no sense of shame! O audacious conduct! O Geta,
{rare} adviser!

GETA (_apart to PHAEDRIA._) Just {brought in} at last.

DEM. What will they say to me, or what excuse will they find? I wonder
much.

GETA (_apart._) Why, I've found that out already; do think of
something else.

DEM. Will he be saying this to me: "I did it against my will; the law
compelled me?" I hear {you, and} admit it.

GETA (_apart._) Well said!

DEM. But knowingly, in silence, to give up the cause to his
adversaries-- did the law oblige him to do that as well?

GETA (_apart._) That is a hard {blow}.

PHAED. I'll clear that up; let me alone {for that}.

DEM. It is a matter of doubt what I am to do; for beyond expectation,
and quite past all belief, has this befallen me. So enraged am I, that
I can not compose my mind to think {upon it}. Wherefore it is the duty
of all persons, when affairs are the most prosperous,[39] then in
especial to reflect within themselves in what way they are to endure
adversity. Returning from abroad, let him always picture to himself
dangers and losses, either offenses committed by a son, or the death
of his wife, or the sickness of a daughter,-- that these things ar