University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

PLEUSIDIPPUS, LABRAX, SERVANTS, and the WOMEN as before.
PLEUSIDIPPUS.
Yes, I will bear this rascal run-away
Before a judge.—Come, come before the judge.

Lab.
What is my crime?

Pleu.
Crime, ask you?—Did you not
Take earnest of me for this damsel here,
Then bore her off?

Lab.
I did not bear her off.

Pleu.
Will you deny it?

Lab.
Yes, because I only
Bore her on board; I could not bear her off,
The more is my mishap.—Did I not say,
That you should find me here at Venus' temple?
Wherein then have I falsified my word?
Am I not here?

Pleu.
Nay, you shall plead your cause
Before the magistrate: I'll hear no more.—
Come, come along. (Lays hold of him.)


Lab.
(calling)
Help! help!—Dear Charmides!
I am laid hold of, drag'd here by the throat.