SYRUS. Oh Sir! your brother has dispatch'd me to you To beg you'd not go further off.
DEM. Who's there?---- What, honest Syrus! save you: how is't with you? How goes it?
DEM. (_aside._) Excellent! Now for the first time, I, against my nature, Have added these three phrases, "Honest Syrus!---- How is't?--How goes it?"-- (_To SYRUS._) You have prov'd yourself A worthy servant. I'll reward you for it.
DEM. I will, I promise you; And you shall be convinc'd on't very soon.
GETA (_to SOSTRATA within_). Madam, I'm going to look after them, That they may call the bride immediately. --But here is Demea. Save you!
DEM. Geta, I this day have found you To be a fellow of uncommon worth: For sure that servant's faith is well approv'd Who holds his master's interest at heart, As I perceiv'd that you did, Geta! wherefore, Soon as occasion offers, I'll reward you. --I am endeavoring to be affable, And not without success. (_Aside._)
GETA. 'Tis kind in you To think of your poor slave, Sir.
DEM. (_aside._) First of all I court the mob, and win them by degrees.
ÆSCH. They murder me with their delays; and while They lavish all this pomp upon the nuptials, They waste the livelong day in preparation.
DEM. Aye, by affection, and by blood your father, Who love you better than my eyes.--But why Do you not call the bride?
ÆSCH. 'Tis what I long for: But wait the music and the singers.
DEM. Pshaw! Will you for once be rul'd by an old fellow?
DEM. Ne'er mind singers, company, lights, music; But tell them to throw down the garden-wall, As soon as possible. Convey the bride That way, and lay both houses into one. Bring too the mother, and whole family, Over to us.
DEM. (_aside_). _Charming!_ See there! he calls me _charming_ now. --My brother's house will be a thoroughfare; Throng'd with whole crowds of people; much expense Will follow; very much: what's that to me? I am call'd _charming_, and get into favor. --Ho! order Babylo immediately To pay him twenty minæ.--Prithee, Syrus, Why don't you execute your orders?
DEM. Down with the wall!-- (_Exit SYRUS._) You, Geta, go and bring The ladies over.
GETA. Heaven bless you, Demea, For all your friendship to our family! (_Exit GETA._
DEM. They're worthy of it.--What say you to this? (_To ÆSCHINUS._)