Enter STRABAX.
STRABAX
to himself . One morning a short time since my father ordered me to go hence, to deal out the mast for food for the oxen. After I got there a person arrived at the farmhouse (so it pleased the Gods), who was owing money to my father, who had formerly purchased some Tarentine sheep of my father; he asked for my father; I said he was in the city; I enquired what he wanted with him. The fellow takes a purse from off his neck, and gives me twenty minæ; with pleasure I receive them, and stow them in my purse; these bad sheep, the minæ, have I brought in my purse hither to the city. By my troth, Mars has proved very angry with my father; for his sheep are not very far away from the wolves. Now, with this one stroke shall I send adrift those finical town gallants, and be bundling them all out of doors. My father, in the first place, I’m quite resolved to ruin, root and branch; then next in turn, my mother. Now to-day I’ll carry this money to her whom I love more than my own mother. Goes towards the door of PHRONESIUM, and knocks. Hillo there — is any one here? There’s not a woman. Is any one going to open this door? opens the door.
ASTAPHIUM
Why so a stranger, pray, my dear Strabax? Why don’t you come in at once? Ought you to have been doing so, you, indeed, who are so intimate?
STRABAX
I’ll go in then, that you mayn’t think I’m loitering. Goes into the house.
ASTAPHIUM
You act obligingly.
Enter STRATILAX.
STRATOPHANES
to himself . It seems marvellous to me, that Strabax, my master’s son, hasn’t returned from the country, unless perchance he has slily slipt in here into this den of corruption of his.
ASTAPHIUM
aside . Now, faith, he’ll be roaring at me if he espies me.
STRATOPHANES
I’m much less savage now, Astaphium, than I was before; I’m not churlish now; don’t thee fear. She runs to a distance. What wouldst thee be at? What?
ASTAPHIUM
What, say you? Why, I’m waiting for your churlishness.
STRATOPHANES
Say, command me what thee dost please, and in what way thee dost please. I’ve got all my manners anew: my old ones I’ve parted with. I can e’en fall in love, or take a mistress now.
ASTAPHIUM
Upon my faith, you do tell me fine news. But tell me, have you —— ?
STRATOPHANES
A mistress, perhaps, thee means.
ASTAPHIUM
You’ve understood nicely what I meant to say.
STRATOPHANES
Hark you, since I’ve been so many times backwards and forwards to the city, I’ve become quite a chatterer; I’m now a right good stalkers.
ASTAPHIUM
Prithee, what’s that? That’s nonsense; perhaps you intend to mean “talking.”
STRATOPHANES
Just so; it differs mighty little from stalking.
ASTAPHIUM
Prithee, do follow me in-doors, my love.
STRATOPHANES
holding out some money to her . Take this for thyself; keep it as a ledger for thee, that thee mayst give me thy company this night.
ASTAPHIUM
taking the money . You are the death of me, with your “ledger.” What kind of beast am I to say that is? Thy don’t you say “pledge?”
STRATOPHANES
The “r” I make a saving of; just as the Prænestines have “conia,” for “ciconia.”
ASTAPHIUM
Prithee, do follow me.
STRATOPHANES
I’ll wait here a little for Strabax, till he comes from the farm.
ASTAPHIUM
Why, Strabax is at our house. He has just come from the farm.
STRATOPHANES
What, before he went to his own mother? Alas, the man’s worth nought, i’ faith.
ASTAPHIUM
What now, your old habit?
STRATOPHANES
Well, I’ll say nought.
ASTAPHIUM
Prithee, do come indoors. Give me your hand. Takes his hand.
STRATOPHANES
Well, take it. To the AUDIENCE. I’m being led off into a public-house, where I shall be but poorly entertained for my money. They go into the house of PHRONESIUM.