DEM. (_apart, to CHREMES._) Well now, is he to be carrying off[87] from us such a sum of money as this, and so palpably to impose upon us? By heavens, I’d sooner die. Manage to show yourself of resolute and ready wit. You see that this slip of yours has got abroad, and that you can not now possibly conceal it from your wife; it is then more conducive to our quiet, Chremes, ourselves to disclose what she will be hearing from others; {and} then, in our own fashion, we shall be able to take vengeance upon this dirty fellow. PHOR. (_aside, to himself._) Good lack-a-day, {now’s} the sticking-point, if I don’t look out for myself. They are making toward me with a gladiatorial air. CHREM. (_apart, to DEMIPHO._) But I doubt whether it’s possible for her to be appeased. DEM. (_apart, to CHREMES._) Be of good courage; I’ll effect a reconciliation between you; remembering this, Chremes, that she is dead[88] and gone by whom you had this girl. PHOR. (_in a loud voice._) Is this the way you are going to deal with me? Very cleverly {done}. Come on with you. By heavens, Demipho, you have provoked me, not to his advantage (_pointing at CHREMES_). How say you? (_addressing CHREMES_). When you’ve been doing abroad 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?