r}, that's right! (_Threateningly to
PHORMIO._) Hark you, take you care.

PHOR. I've already made the matter quite plain where I ought, before
the judges; besides, if it was untrue, why didn't your son disprove
it?

DEM. Do you talk about my son to me? Of whose folly there is no
speaking in the language it deserves.

PHOR. Then do you, who are so wise, go to the magistrates, that for
you they may give a second decision in the same cause, since you reign
alone[54] {here}, and are the only man allowed to get a second trial
in the same cause.

DEM. Although wrong has been done me, still, however, rather than
engage in litigation, or listen to you, just as though she had been my
relation, {as} the law orders one to find her a portion, rid me of
her, {and} take five minae.

PHOR. (_laughing._) Ha, ha, ha! a pleasant individual!

DEM. Well! am I asking any thing unfair? Or am I not to obtain even
this, which is my right at common law?

PHOR. Pray, really is it so, that when you have abused her like a
courtesan, the law orders you to pay her hire and pack her off? Or {is
it} the fact, that in order that a citizen may bring no disgrace upon
herself through poverty, she has been ordered to be given to her
nearest relative, to pass her life with him alone? {A thing} which you
mean to prevent.

DEM. Yes, to her nearest relative, indeed; but why to us, or on what
ground?

PHOR. Well, well, a thing tried, they say, you can't try over {again}.

DEM. Not try it? On the contrary, I shall not desist until I have gone
through with it.

PHOR. You are trifling.

DEM. Only let me alone {for that}.

PHOR. In short, Demipho, I have nothing to do with you; your son has
been cast, {and} not you; for your time of life for marrying has now
gone by.

DEM. Consider that it is he that says to you all I now say, or else
assuredly, together with this wife {of his}, I'll be forbidding him
the house.

GETA (_aside._) He's in a passion.

PHOR. You'll be acting more considerately.

DEM. Are you so resolved, you unlucky fellow, to do me all the
mischief you can?

PHOR. (_aside, to GETA._) He's afraid of us, although he's so careful
to conceal it.

GETA (_aside, to PHORMIO._) Your beginning has turned out well.

PHOR. But if, on the contrary, you endure what must be endured, you'll
be doing what's worthy of you, so that we may be on friendly terms.

DEM. (_indignantly._) What, I seek your friendship, or have any wish
to see or