Ctes. What shall we do, Syrus?

Syr. You only be off in-doors, I’ll see to that.

Ctes. If he makes any inquiries, you have seen me nowhere; do you hear?

Syr. Can you not be quiet?

They retreat to the door of Micio’s house, and Ctesipho stands in the doorway.

[ Scene II.]

Enter Demea, on the other side of the stage.

Dem. (to himself.) I certainly am an unfortunate man. In the first place, I can find my brother nowhere; and then, in the next place, while looking for him, I met a day-laborer[65] from the farm; he says that my son is not in the country, and what to do I know not——

Ctes. (apart.) Syrus!

Syr. (apart.) What’s the matter?