What kept you there so long then?

Chrem. A disease.

Dem. How came it? what disease?

Chrem. Is that a question?

Old age itself is a disease.—However,

The master of the ship, who brought them over,

Inform’d me of their safe arrival hither.

Dem. Have you heard, Chremes, of my son’s misfortune

During my absence?

Chrem. Aye; and it confounds me.