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 are the common lot, so that no one of them may ever come as a surprise upon his feelings. Whatever falls out beyond his hopes, all that he must look upon as so much gain. GETA (_apart._) O Phædria, it is incredible how much I surpass my master in wisdom. All my misfortunes have been {already} calculated upon by me, upon my master coming home. I must grind at the mill, be beaten, wear fetters, be set to work in the fields; not one individual thing of these will happen unexpected by my mind. Whatever falls out beyond my expectations, all that I shall look upon as so much gain. But why do you hesitate to accost him, and soften him at the outset with fair words? (_PHÆDRIA goes forward to accost DEMIPHO._) DEM. (_to himself._) I see Phædria, my brother’s son, coming toward me. PHÆD. My uncle, welcome! DEM. Greetings to you; but where is Antipho? PHÆD. That you have arrived in safety---- DEM. I believe it; answer my question. PHÆD. He is well; he’s close at hand; but is every thing quite to your wishes? DEM. I wish it was so, indeed. PHÆD. What’s the matter? DEM. Do you ask me, Phædria? You {people} have cooked up a fine marriage in my absence. PHÆD. What now, are you angry with him for that? GETA (_apart._) What a clever contriver! DEM. Have I not reason to be angry with him? I long for him to come into my sight, that he may know that through his faultiness, from being a mild father, I am become a most severe one. PHÆD. But he has done nothing, uncle, for which you should blame him. DEM. Now, do look at that; all alike; all hanging together; when you know one, you know all. PHÆD. That is not the case. DEM. When the one is in fault, the other is at hand to defend him; when it is the other, {then} he is ready; they {just} help one another by turns. GETA (_apart._) The old man, without knowing it, has exactly described their proceedings. DEM. For if it had not been so, you would not, Phædria, have stood up for him.