Dem. Will he be saying this to me: “I did it against my will; the law compelled me?” I hear you, and admit it.
Geta (apart.) Well said!
Dem. But knowingly, in silence, to give up the cause to his adversaries—did the law oblige him to do that as well?
Geta (apart.) That is a hard blow.
Phæd. I’ll clear that up; let me alone for that.
Dem. It is a matter of doubt what I am to do; for beyond expectation, and quite past all belief, has this befallen me. So enraged am I, that I can not compose my mind to think upon it. Wherefore it is the duty of all persons, when affairs are the most prosperous,[39] then in especial to reflect within themselves in what way they are to endure adversity. Returning from abroad, let him always picture to himself dangers and losses, either offenses committed by a son, or the death of his wife, or the sickness of a daughter,—that these things are the common lot, so that no one of them may ever come as a surprise upon his feelings. Whatever falls out beyond his hopes, all that he must look upon as so much gain.
Geta (apart.) O Phædria, it is incredible how much I surpass my master in wisdom. All my misfortunes have been already calculated upon by me, upon my master coming home. I must grind at the mill, be beaten, wear fetters, be set to work in the fields; not one individual thing of these will happen unexpected by my mind. Whatever falls out beyond my expectations, all that I shall look upon as so much gain. But why do you hesitate to accost him, and soften him at the outset with fair words?
Phædria goes forward to accost Demipho.
Dem. (to himself.) I see Phædria, my brother’s son, coming toward me.
Phæd. My uncle, welcome!