University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Enter SAGARINUS.
Sag.
Hail! Athens, nurse of Greece!—Thou native land
Of my dear master, hail! I joy to see thee.
But my chief care is my Stephanium's health,
My fellow-servant and my love—By Stichus
I sent word I was well, and let her know
I should be here to-day, and she be sure
Get ready a good supper in good time.
But see, Stichus is here.

Re-enter STICHUS, with a keg of wine.
Sti.
Well done, my master,
To make your servant Stichus such a present.
Immortal gods! what joys are in my arms!
What dancing, laughing, jollity and jokes;
What kissing, toying—

Sag.
Stichus!

Sti.
Holla!—Well!—

Sag.
How fare you?

Sti.
I fare well, my little Sagy.
Here's Bacchus, lad, will sup with us to-night.
Know, boy, the supper is bespoke; the place
Free to ourselves, here at your house—At ours,
There is a feast—Your master, and his wife,
And Antipho sup there—and with them, mine.
Here was a present for you!

[holding up the keg.
Sag.
Say, who was
The man that gave it you?

Sti.
What's that to thee?
Prithee make hast and bath—

Sag.
'Tis done already.

Sti.
That's well—Then follow me into the house.

Sag.
I follow—

Sti.
'Tis my will, we drown all care
This day—Leave all external things behind you—
Now we're at Athens—Follow me, my lad—

Sag.
I follow.—This first setting off is rare,
On my arrival—Gifts and omens good.