 | The Shipwreck |  |
368
SCENE VIII.
Enter GRIPUS.When may I have a word with you, good master?
Dæm.
The matter, Gripus?
Grip.
Touching this same wallet:
If you are wise, be wise: keep what the Gods
Have graciously bestow'd.
Dæm.
D'ye think it just,
That I should claim for mine what is another's?
Grip.
And why not, when I found it in the sea?
Dæm.
So much the better luck for him, who lost it:
But that don't make it your's a whit the more.
Grip.
'Tis by your over-righteousness you're poor.
Dæm.
O Gripus, Gripus, there are many traps
Laid to ensnare mankind; and whosoever
Snaps at the bait, is caught by his own greediness:
But he, who acts with caution and with care,
May long enjoy what honestly he owns.
We shall get more by parting with this booty
Than we were better'd by its acquisition.—
What! when I know another's property
Is fall'n into my hands, shall I conceal it?—
369
Can never be too cautious in this point,
Lest they become partakers of ill deeds
With their own servants. 'Tis enough for me
The pleasure of the game, and I'm indifferent
About the winning.
Grip.
So I've often heard
The players talking in the same wise manner,
And much applauded, while they pointed out
Sound morals to the people; but when each man
Went his way home, not one of all the audience
Became such as they bade him be.
Dæm.
Go in;
370
I'll give you nothing; don't deceive yourself.
Grip.
Pray heav'n, whatever's in the wallet, gold
Or silver, all may be reduc'd to ashes!
[Exit Gripus.
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