GETA (_to himself_). I never saw a more shrewd rogue than Phormio. I came to let him know we wanted money, With my advice for getting it; and scarce Had I related half, but he conceiv'd me. He was o'erjoy'd; commended me; demanded To meet with Demipho; and thank'd the god; That it was now the time to show himself As truly Phaedria's friend as Antipho's. I bade him wait us at the Forum; whither I'd bring th' old gentleman.--And there he is! --But who's the furthermost? Ha! Phaedria's father. --Yet what was I afraid of, simpleton? That I have got two dupes instead of one? Is it not better that my hopes are doubled? --I'll attack him, I first propos'd. If he Answers my expectation, well: if not, Why then have at you, uncle! [Changes: _Harper_ With my advice for getting it; and scarce _Colman 1768_ With my device for getting it; and scarce] SCENE III. _Enter behind, ANTIPHO._ ANT. (_to himself_). I expect Geta's arrival presently.--But see! Yonder's my uncle with my father.--Ah! How do I dread his influence! GETA. I'll to them. Oh, good Sir Chremes! (_Going up._) CHREM. Save you, save you, Geta! GETA. I'm glad to see you safe arriv'd. CHREM. I thank you. GETA. How go affairs? CHREM. A world of changes here, As usual at first coming home again. GETA. True. Have you heard of Antipho's affair? CHREM. The whole. GETA (_to DEMIPHO_). Did you inform him, Sir?--'Tis monstrous, Chremes, To he so shamefully impos'd upon! DEM. 'Twas on that point I was just talking with him. GETA. And I too, having turn'd it in my thoughts, Have found, I think, a remedy. DEM. How, Geta? What remedy? GETA. On leaving you, by chance I met with Phormio. CHREM. Who is Phormio? GETA. The girl's solicitor. CHREM. I understand. GETA. I thought within myself, "suppose I found him!" And taking him aside, "Now prithee, Phormio, Why don't you try to settle this affair By fair means rather than by foul?" said I. "My master is a generous gentleman, And hates to go to law. For I assure you His other friends advis'd him, to a man, To turn this girl directly out o' doors." ANT. (_behind_). What does he mean? or where will all this end? GETA. "The law, you think, will give you damages If he attempts to turn her out.--Alas! He has good counsel upon that.--I' faith, You'll have hot work if you engage with him; He's such an orator!--But ev'n suppose That you should gain your lawsuit, after all The trial is not for his life, but money." Perceiving him a little wrought upon, And soften'd by this style of talking with him, "Come now," continued I, "we're all alone. Tell me, what money would you take in hand To drop your lawsuit, take away the girl, And trouble us no farther!" ANT. (_behind_). Is he mad? GETA. --"For I am well convinc'd, that if your terms Are not extravagant and wild indeed, My master's such a worthy gentleman, You will not change three words between you." DEM. Who Commission'd you to say all this?