University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Enter the WIFE of Menæchmus of Epidamnum, and PENICULUS, the Parasite.
WIFE.
And shall I tamely then submit to live
In marriage with a man, who filches from me
Whatever's in the house, and bears it off
A present to his mistress?

Pen.
Hold your peace:
I will so order matters, that you shall
Surprize him in the fact. So follow me.
Crown'd with a wreath, and drunk, he bore away
The robe that he filch'd from you yesterday,
To the embroiderer's. But see, the wreath,
The very wreath he wore—Is it not true?
[seeing the wreath on the ground.]
He's gone this way; and you may trace his steps.
And see, by Pollux' temple, he returns,
And opportunely; but without the robe.

Wife.
How shall I treat him now?

Pen.
How? Why as usual,
Most heartily abuse him.

Wife.
Yes, I think so—

Pen.
Let's stand aside, and watch him from our ambush.

[they retire.