NAUS. Why {should I} with patience? I could wish, afflicted as I am, that there were an end now of this matter. But how can I hope? Am I to suppose that, at his age, he will not offend in future? Was he not an old man then, if old age makes people behave themselves decently? Are my looks and my age more attractive now, Demipho? What do you advance to me, to make me expect or hope that this will not happen any more? PHOR. (_in a loud voice._) Those who have[89] a mind to come to the funeral of Chremes, why now’s their time. ’Tis thus I retaliate: come now, let him challenge Phormio who pleases: I’ll have him victimized[90] with just a like mischance. Why then, let him return again into her good graces. I have now had revenge enough. She has got something for her as long as she lives, to be forever ringing into his ears. NAUS. But it was because I deserved this, I suppose; why should I now, Demipho, make mention of each particular, how I have conducted myself toward him? DEM. I know it all, as well as yourself. NAUS. Does it appear, then, that I deserved this treatment? DEM. Far from it: but since, by reproaching, it can not now be undone, forgive him: he entreats you-- he begs your pardon-- owns his fault-- makes an apology. What would you have more? PHOR. (_aside._) But really, before she grants pardon to him, I must take care of myself and Phædria. (_To NAUSISTRATA._) Hark you, Nausistrata, before you answer him without thinking, listen {to me}. NAUS. What’s the matter? PHOR. I got out of him thirty minæ by a stratagem. I give them to your son; he paid them to a Procurer for his mistress. CHREM. Ha! what is it you say? PHOR. (_sneeringly._) Does it seem to you so very improper for your son, a young man, to keep one mistress, {while} you {have} two wives? Are you ashamed of nothing? With what face will you censure him? Answer me that. DEM. He shall do as you wish. NAUS. Nay, that you may now know my determination. I neither forgive nor promise any thing, nor give any answer, before I see my son: to his decision I leave every thing. What he bids me, I shall do. DEM. You are a wise woman, Nausistrata. NAUS. Does that satisfy you, Chremes? CHREM. Yes, indeed, I come off well, and fully to my satisfaction; indeed, beyond my expectation. NAUS. (_to PHORMIO._) Do you tell me, what is your name? PHOR. What, mine? Phormio; a well-wisher to your family, upon my honor, and to your {son} Phaedria in particular. NAUS. Then, Phormio, on my word, henceforward I’ll both do and say for you all I can, and whatever you may desire. PHOR. You speak obligingly. NAUS. I’ faith, it is as you deserve. PHOR. First, then, will you do this, Nausistrata, at once, to please me, and to make your husband’s eyes ache {with vexation}? NAUS. With all my heart. PHOR. Invite me to dinner. NAUS. Assuredly indeed, I do invite you. DEM. Let us now away in-doors. CHREM. By all means; but where is Phaedria, our arbitrator?