University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter PÆGNIUM.
Pæg.
I've done my task, and now am hastening home.

Sag.
Stay—Tho' in haste yet hearken to me, Pægnium.

Pæg.
If you want one to obey you, buy a slave.

Sag.
But stop—

Pæg.
You're plaguy troublesome I think—
How would you teize me, if I ow'd you money?—

Sag.
Won't you look back upon me then, you scoundrel?

Pæg.
I know I'm but a youngster; else I'd make you
Suffer, for thus abusing me—

Sag.
Where is
Your master Toxilus?—

Pæg.
Just where he likes—
He don't ask your opinion where to be.

Sag.
Won't you then tell me, hang-dog?

Pæg.
Why, I tell you
I do not know, of elm twigs thou destruction.

Sag.
What! do you dare thus to abuse your elders?—

Pæg.
You first deserv'd it, therefore learn to bear it.
I am a slave in office; but my master
Orders that I shall have my tongue at liberty.

Sag.
Won't you then tell me, where is Toxilus?

Pæg.
I tell you—You may go and hang yourself.

Sag.
And may you feel the lash this very day!

Pæg.
On your account, you cuckow?—Was I, whey-face,
To break your head, I should fear nought for that.

Sag.
Assurance!—

Pæg.
Ay, I am well assur'd, by Hercules!
One day I shall be free; and that is more
Than ever you can hope for—

Sag.
Leave off teizing—

Pæg.
That which you ask of others, you can't do
Yourself—

Sag.
Go and be hang'd—

Pæg.
And go you home—
There's one there ready for you.

Sag.
I am call'd
To court.

Pæg.
I wish your sureties may be absent,
That you may be in jail!—

Sag.
How's this?

Pæg.
Ay, how?

Sag.
Do you persist in your abuse, you rascal?—

Pæg.
And why should not one slave abuse another?

Sag.
Do you say so?—See what I'll give you then?

Pæg.
Just nothing—For you nothing have to give.

Sag.
May all the gods and goddesses confound me,
If I lay hold on you, and do not fell you
Down to the ground—

Pæg.
I am your friend, I wish
Your prayer success—You fell me to the ground!
You to the gallows will be fix'd ere long—

Sag.
May all the gods—You know what I would say—
But I restrain my tongue—Why can't you go?

Pæg.
You drive me off with ease—My shadow's now
Whipping within, because I staid so long—

[Exit.
Sag.
The gods confound this brat—A prating rascal,
And poisonous as a serpent—I am glad
He's gone—Open the doors—Out comes the man,
The very man, I've wish'd so much to meet.