CHREM. What would you more? The money you have got We will forgive you. PHOR. Well; I hear you now. --But what a plague d'ye mean by fooling thus, Acting and talking like mere children with me? --I won't; I will: I will; I won't again:---- Give, take; say, unsay; do, and then undo. CHREM. (_to DEMIPHO_). Which way could he have learn'd this? DEM. I don't know; But I am sure I never mention'd it. CHREM. Good now! amazing! PHOR. I have ruffled them. (_Aside._) DEM. What! shall he carry off so large a sum, And laugh at us so openly?--By Heaven, I'd rather die.--Be of good courage, brother! Pluck up the spirit of a man! You see This slip of yours is got abroad; nor can you Keep it a secret from your wife. Now, therefore, 'Tis more conducive to your peace, good Chremes, That we should fairly tell it her ourselves, Than she should hear the story from another. And then we shall be quite at liberty To take our own revenge upon this rascal. PHOR. Ha!--If I don't take care I'm ruin'd still. They're growing desperate, and making tow'rd me With a determin'd gladiatorial air. CHREM. (_to DEMIPHO_). I fear she'll ne'er forgive me. DEM. Courage, Chremes! I'll reconcile her to't; especially The mother being dead and gone. PHOR. Is this Your dealing, gentlemen? You come upon me Extremely cunningly.--But, Demipho, You have but ill consulted for your brother, To urge me to extremities.--And you, Sir (_to CHREMES_), When you have play'd the whoremaster abroad; Having no reverence for your lady here, A woman of condition; wronging her After the grossest manner; come you now To wash away your crimes with mean submission? No.--I will kindle such a flame in her, As, though you melt in tears, you sha'n't extinguish. DEM. A plague upon him! was there ever man So very impudent?--A knave! he ought To be transported at the public charge Into some desert. CHREM. I am so confounded, I know not what to do with him. DEM. I know. Bring him before a judge! PHOR. Before a judge? A lady-judge; in here, Sirs, if you please. DEM. Run you and hold him, while I call her servants. CHREM. I can not by myself; come up and help me. PHOR. I have an action of assault against you. (_To DEMIPHO._) CHREM. Bring it! PHOR. Another against you too, Chremes! DEM. Drag him away! (_Both lay hold of him._) PHOR. (_struggling_). Is that your way with me! Then I must raise my voice.--Nausistrata! Come hither. CHREM. Stop his mouth! DEM. (_struggling_). A sturdy rogue! How strong he is! PHOR. (_struggling_). Nausistrata, I say. Nausistrata! CHREM. (_struggling_). Peace, Sirrah! PHOR. Peace, indeed! DEM. Unless he follows, strike him in the stomach! PHOR. Aye, or put out an eye!--But here comes one Will give me full revenge upon you both. SCENE II. _To them NAUSISTRATA._ NAUS. Who calls for me? CHREM. Confusion! NAUS. (_to CHREMES_). Pray, my dear, What's this disturbance? PHOR. Dumb, old Truepenny! NAUS. Who is this man?--Why don't you answer me? (_To CHREMES._)