University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter AGORASTOCLES.
Ago.
What now?—The matter?—

Wit.
Look there to the right;
Your slave is counting out the gold to Lycus.

Col.
[to Lycus.]
Come, take 'em, come; here are three hundred pieces,
All ready cash. We call them Philippæans.
For these I would be entertain'd—I'd have them
Spent speedily—

Lyc.
By Pollux! you have found
A liberal steward, fitted to your purpose.
Come, let's go in—

Col.
I'll follow you.

Lyc.
March on—
Within we will discourse of what remains.

Col.
I'll tell you of our Spartan politicks—

Lyc.
Why, therefore follow me.

Col.
Lead you the way—
You hold me in a string—

[Exeunt Lycus and Collybiscus.
Ago.
Well, what advise
You now?—

Wit.
That you be temperate with your fortune.

Ago.
What if my inclination won't permit?

Wit.
Then, be it as it may—

Ago.
You saw the pandar,
When he receiv'd the gold?

Wit.
We did—

Ago.
You know
This is my slave—

Wit.
Yes, that we do—

Ago.
It is,
You know, against the laws—

Wit.
Beyond a doubt.

Ago.
Mind then—All this I wish you to remember
Before the Prætor; where 'twill be of use.

Wit.
We will.

Ago.
Suppose I knock now at the door,
While the affair is warm?—

Wit.
It would be right.

Ago.
If I should knock, he will not open it.

Wit.
Then break it open with your foot.

Ago.
Should he
Come forth, it would be right to enquire of him
Whether my slave is there or no?

Wit.
Why not?

Ago.
And with two hundred golden Philippæans?

Wit.
Why not?

Ago.
That question leads him wrong—

Wit.
In what?

Ago.
D'ye ask—Because I've sunk an hundred pieces—

Wit.
You judge quite right—

Ago.
He'll think I am enquiring
For some one else—

Wit.
Undoubtedly.

Ago.
And will
At once deny it.

Wit.
Ay, upon his oath.

Ago.
And in the guilt of theft involve himself.

Wit.
Doubtless.

Ago.
The theft of all he has receiv'd—

Wit.
Why not?

Ago.
Now Jove confound you with your why nots!

Wit.
And why not you?

Ago.
Then will I go and knock.

Wit.
Why not?

Ago.
Time we were dumb—Hark! the door creaks.
He's coming out, I see—the rascal, Lycus—
Come this way, pray—

Wit.
Why not?—And, if you please,
Let's veil our heads, lest he should find us out;
Who have decoy'd him into such a scrape.