University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter a MAID SERVANT of Erotium, with a clasp.
Serv.
Erotium
Most earnestly entreats of her Menæchmus,
('Twill make it but one trouble,) to bear this
To the goldsmith, with her orders, that he add
An ounce more gold, and have it clean'd and mended.

Men. Sos.
This, and ought else that she would have me do,
Tell her I will take care to execute.

Serv.
But, do you know the clasp I'm speaking of?

Men. Sos.
I know it not; but see 'tis made of gold.

Serv.
'Tis that, which sometime since, you said you stole
And privately, from your wife's chest of drawers.

Men. Sos.
That's what I never did, by Hercules!

Serv.
What, don't you recollect it? then, return it.

Men. Sos.
Stay: I begin to recollect: it was
The same I gave your mistress.

Serv.
Yes, the same.

Men. Sos.
Where are the bracelets which I gave with it?

Serv.
You never gave them.

Men. Sos.
But I did, by Pollux!
And gave them both together.

Serv.
Shall I say,
You will take care—

Men. Sos.
Yes; and the robe and clasp
Shall be return'd together—

Serv.
Let me, Sir,
Beg you'd present me with a pair of ear-rings
Of gold, and of two pieces value; that I may
Look well upon you, when you pay your visits.

Men. Sos.
It shall be done: give me the gold; I'll pay
Myself the fashion.

Serv.
No, I pray you, Sir,
Give it yourself, I'll be accountable.

Men. Sos.
I say, give me the gold—

Serv.
Another time.
I'll pay it back two-fold.

Men. Sos.
I have no money.

Serv.
But when you have, you'll pay the jeweller.
Any commands with me?

Men. Sos.
Yes, tell your mistress
I'll take great care of what she has order'd me—
[Exit Servant.]
Yes, soon as may be, I'll take care to sell them
[aside.]
To the best bidder.—Is she now gone in?
She is, and shut the door. Sure all the gods
Befriend me, and heap favour upon favour.
Why do I stay when time and opportunity
Thus favours me in quitting this vile place,
This place of bawds and panders?
Haste thee, Menæchmus, then; use well thy feet,
And mend thy pace. Let me take off my wreath,
And throw it to the left: that, if I'm follow'd,
They may suppose, I'm gone that way. I'll now
Find, if I can, my servant, and acquaint him
With what the gods are doing in my favour—

[Exit.