just as
you pleased, and have had no regard for this excellent lady {here},
but on the contrary, have been injuring her in an unheard-of manner,
would you be coming to me with prayers to wash away your offenses? On
telling her of this, I'll make her so incensed with you, that you
sha'n't quench her, though you should melt away into tears.

DEM. (_aside._) A plague may {all} the Gods and Goddesses send upon
him. That any fellow should be possessed of so much impudence! Does
not this villain deserve to be transported hence to some desolate land
at the public charge?

CHREM. (_aside._) I am brought to such a pass, that I really don't
know what to do in it.

DEM. I know; let's go into court.

PHOR. Into court? Here {in preference} (_pointing to CHREMES'S
house_), if it suits you in any way. (_Moves toward the house._)

DEM. (_to CHREMES._) Follow him, and hold him back, till I call out
the servants.

CHREM. (_trying to seize PHORMIO._) But I can't by myself; run {and
help me}.

PHOR. (_to DEMIPHO, who seizes hold of him._) There's one action of
damages against you.

CHREM. Sue him at law, then.

PHOR. {And} another with you, Chremes.

DEM. Lay hold of him. (_They both drag him._)

PHOR. Is it thus you do? Why then I must exert my voice: Nausistrata,
come out (_calling aloud_).

CHREM. (_to DEMIPHO._) Stop his mouth.

DEM. See how strong the rascal is.

PHOR. (_calling aloud._) Nausistrata, I say.

CHREM. Will you not hold your tongue?

PHOR. Hold my tongue?

DEM. (_to CHREMES, as they drag him along._) If he won't follow, plant
your fists in his stomach.

PHOR. Or e'en gouge out an eye. The time's coming when I shall have a
full revenge on you.

SCENE II.

_Enter NAUSISTRATA, in haste, from the house._

NAUS. Who calls my name?

CHREM. (_in alarm._) Ha!

NAUS. My husband, pray what means this disturbance?

PHOR. (_to CHREMES._) Oh, oh, why are you mute now?

NAUS. Who is this man? Won't you answer me?

PHOR. What, he to answer you? who, upon my faith, doesn't know where
he is.

CHREM. (_to NAUSISTRATA._) Take care how you believe that fellow in
any thing.

PHOR. (_to NAUSISTRATA._) Go, touch him; if he isn't in a cold sweat
all over, why then kill me.

CHREM. 'Tis nothing at all.

NAUS. What is it, then, that this person is talking about?

PHOR. You shall know directly; listen {now}.

CHREM. Are you resolved to believe him?

NAUS. Pray, how can I believe him, when he has