![]() | The Parasite | ![]() |
SCENE III.
Enter THERAPONTIGONUS and LYCO.The.
I'm in no little passion, but enrag'd,
As oft I've felt at sacking of a city.
167
I left with you, or hast to leave your life.
Lyc.
No little mischief would I do to you,
But use you, as the man deserves, that asks
A debt I owe not.
The.
Be not so stout with me,
Nor think that I will stoop to beg it of you.
Lyc.
Nor shall you ever force me to repay
What I've already paid. I will not do't—
The.
'Troth, when I left the money in your hands,
I did suppose you would return me nothing.
Lyc.
Then why do you ask it of me now?
The.
Because
I want to know, to whom you paid the money.
Lyc.
Why, to your freed-man, to a one-eye'd fellow,
Who said his name was Nimwell; 'twas to him
I paid it; and he brought this letter from you,
[giving a letter.
Seal'd with your seal.
The.
What letter! what freedman,
One-eye'd, do you prate of to me in your dreams?
What Nimwell do you mean? I have no freedman.
Lyc.
The wiser you; unlike to those marauders,
Who free their slaves, and leave them to be starv'd.
168
What is't you've done?
Lyc.
Done honour to your letter:
Done as you charg'd me—I receiv'd your messenger,
Receiv'd the man who brought your seal's impression.
The.
O worse than fool, to give that letter credit!
Lyc.
Shou'd I not credit what is us'd in matters
Publick and private? But I go my way.
Your money was well paid. Soldier, farewel.
The.
Say you farewel?
Lyc.
Fare ill then, if you choose it—
And all your life, for me!
[Exit.
The.
What's now to do?
Is't nothing then, that I've made kings obey,
When such a paltry fellow scorns me thus?
![]() | The Parasite | ![]() |