Chapter 5

(Enter DEMIPHO.)

DEMIPHO: What affair is this, that all persons are talking about in the street—that my daughter has been found? They say, too, that Lampadio has been seeking me in the Forum. (Enter LAMPADISCUS.)

LAMPADISCUS: Master, whence come you?

DEMIPHO: From the Senate.

LAMPADISCUS: I rejoice that through my means there is an addition to your children.

DEMIPHO: But it don’t please me; I don’t want that I should be having more children by means of another person. But what is the meaning of this?

LAMPADISCUS: (pointing to the house of the FATHER of ALCESIMARCHUS.) Make haste, and go in-doors here to the house of your neighbour; you’ll at once recognize your daughter. Your wife’s in-doors there as well. Go quickly.

DEMIPHO: I’m resolved that this shall, before all other matters, be attended to. (They go into the house of the FATHER of ALCESIMARCHUS.)

The Company of COMEDIANS: Don’t you wait, Spectators, till they come out to you; no one will come out; they’ll all finish the business indoors; when that shall be done, they’ll lay aside their dress; then, after that, he that has done amiss will get a beating; he that has not done amiss will get some drink. Now as to what’s left, Spectators, for you to do, after the manner of your ancestors, give your applause at the conclusion of the Play.