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.