University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Enter EPIGNOMUS with a Musick-Girl, and STICHUS.
EPIGNOMUS.
To Neptune, and to all his tempests, thanks!
For that I've had a safe and prosperous voyage,
And am return'd in safety home again.
To Mercury too, who aided me in traffick,
And rais'd my stock fourfold, I give like thanks.
Those whom I left in grief at my departure,
I now shall meet at my return with joy.
I saw my father Antipho but now,
And found him, whom I left a foe, my friend.
What will not money do?—Soon as he saw
I was return'd in affluence, I wanted
No mediator.—In the very ship,
Even upon deck, we were all friends again,
And here he and my brother sup with me.
Both yesterday were in one port together.
To-day I'm somewhat sooner under sail.
Stichus, conduct these people I have brought
Into the house—

Stich.
Sir, should I speak or not?—
The many hardships are to you well known,
With which, I in your service have been sconc'd.
One day from all my miseries, I'd fain,
On my arrival give to Liberty.

Epig.
'Tis just and right—Stichus, this day is thine;
Go, spend it where you please—I'm not your hinderance.
I'll give you too a keg of good old wine.

Stich.
Excellent good!—To-night I'll have my mistress.

Epig.
Ten, if you please, when at your own expence.
Where do you sup to-night?

Stich.
Since you're so kind,
I've here a mistress in the neighbourhood,
Her name Stephanium, your brother's maid.
I have invited her to sup with us
At Sagarinus's, her fellow-servant.
She's mistress to us both, so we are rivals.

Epig.
Conduct these in—To you I give this day.

Stich.
And if I do not make the most of it,
Say 'tis my fault—Now will I cross the garden,
And see my lass I am to have to-night;
Invite her to our supper, which I'll order
To be got ready straight at Sagarinus's—
Then for the market:—I'll be caterer.
Wonder not, gentlemen, that slaves should have
[to the spectators.
Their invitations with their wench and bottle;
It is allow'd at Athens—Now I think on't,
('Twill be less trouble.) We've a back-door here:
(For they more use the back part of the house.)
That way I'll go to purchase the provisions,
And bring them by the same across the garden.
It is a common passage to both houses.
Follow me this way—Now I'll make a day of it.

[to the Musick-girl, &c.]
[Exit.