d summon some of my
friends to give me their assistance in this affair; so that I may not
be unprepared, when Phormio comes. (_Goes into his house._)

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

_Enter PHORMIO and GETA._

PHOR. And so you say[45] that, dreading his father's presence, he has
taken himself off?

GETA. Exactly so.

PHOR. That Phanium is left alone?

GETA. Just so.

PHOR. And that the old man is in a rage?

GETA. Extremely so.

PHOR. The whole business, Phormio, rests on yourself alone; you
yourself have hashed it up;[46] it must all be swallowed by yourself,
{so} set about it.

GETA. I entreat you----

PHOR. (_to himself._) If he inquires.

GETA. In you is {all} our hope.

PHOR. (_to himself._) Look at this, now:-- What if he sends her back?

GETA. It was you that urged us.

PHOR. (_to himself._) I think that will do.

GETA. Do help us.

PHOR. (_with alacrity._) Let the old gentleman come; all my plans are
now ready prepared in my mind.

GETA. What will you do?

PHOR. What would you have me? But that Phanium may continue {with
him}, and that I may clear Antipho from this charge, and turn upon
myself[47] all the wrath of the old gentleman?

GETA. O brave and kind man! But, Phormio, I often dread lest this
courage may end in the stocks at last.[48]

PHOR. Oh, by no means; I've made trial, and have already pondered on
the paths for my feet. How many men before to-day do you suppose I
have beaten, even to death, strangers as well as citizens: the better
I understand it, the oftener I try it. Just tell me, look you, did you
ever hear of an action of damages being brought against me?

GETA. How {is} that?

PHOR. Because the net is never spread for the hawk or the kite, that
do us the mischief; it is spread for those that do us none: because in
the last there is profit, while with the others it is labor lost. For
persons, out of whom any thing can be got, there's risk from others;
they know that I've got nothing. You will say: "They will take
you,[49] when sentenced, into their house;" they have no wish to
maintain a devouring fellow; and, in my opinion, they are wise, if for
an injury they are unwilling to return the highest benefits.

GETA. It's impossible that sufficient thanks can be returned you by
him for your kindness.

PHOR. Why no; no person can return thanks sufficient to his patron[50]
for his kindness. For you to take your place {at table} at free
cost,[51] anointed and