University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter DORDALUS.
Dor.
Whene'er the gods are pleas'd a man to favour,
They always throw some profit in his way.
Now shall I gain two loaves a day—My girl
Is now his property—His cash prevail'd.
She'll sup to-day at his expence—nor taste
A morsel more at mine—Now am not I
A good man, and a dainty citizen,
Who this large city Athens have increas'd,
And made it larger still, by adding to it
One female citizen?—I have been generous,
And trusted some to-day without a pawn.
In short, like credit I to all have given,
Nor fear'd my debtors should forswear themselves.
From this day forward I've a mind to be
An honest man—That's what I never was—
Nor ever shall be—

Tox.
I, by subtil arts,
Shall catch this rogue to-day—I've set my trap
So cunningly—Yes—I'll accost the fellow—
What are you doing, Dordalus?

Dor.
Trusting you.

Tox.
May the gods grant you good success!—Pray say,
Have you made free the girl?

Dor.
I give you credit.
I say, and swear it too—

Tox.
But have you now
A freed-woman at home?—

Dor.
I'm plagu'd to death.
I say I give you credit.

Tox.
Well, but say
Upon your faith and truth, the girl is free.

Dor.
Go to the Forum, to the Prætor go,
Ask him, since I'm unworthy of your credit.
I say, she's free—Do you hear?—

Tox.
The gods reward you!
I'll never wish again to you nor yours
What you dislike—

Dor.
Well, now you need not swear:
I give you credit—

Tox.
Your freed-woman now,
Where is she?

Dor.
At your house—

Tox,
What! Say you so!
She at my house?

Dor.
I tell you that she is.
She's at your house, I say—

Tox.
And may the gods
So love and bless me, as for this good turn
I have in store a thousand favours for you!
I have conceal'd a thing I'll now disclose,
From which you'll gain a profit so immense,
That you'll remember me, whilst you have breath
To breathe—

Dor.
My ears ask aid of some kind deeds
For these kind words.

Tox.
Your merits sure command
As much—That you may know what I shall do,
Here, take and read this tablet—

Dor.
Is't to me?

Tox.
You and your interest too are both concern'd—
'Tis brought to me from Persia, from my master.

Dor.
And when?—

Tox.
E'en now—

Dor.
What says it?

Tox.
Ask the tablet;
It will itself inform you.

Dor.
Give it me.

Tox.
But read it out aloud.

[giving a tablet.
Dor.
Be silent then,
Whilst I am reading—

Tox.
I'll not speak a word—

Dor.
[reading.]
“Trimarchides to Toxilus sends health,
“And to his family—'Twill give me joy
“To hear you're well—I am in health myself;
“Am busied in affairs that bring me gain—
“Nor, till eight months are past, shall I return
“From hence—Some business will detain me here.
“The Persians Eleusipolis have sack'd,
“A city of Arabia, old and opulent—
“And such a mass of plunder have procur'd,
“That there must be proclaim'd a publick auction.
“'Tis this affair prevents my coming home.
“Do you assist, and entertain the man
“Who brings this letter—All that he desires,
“Take care to do for him—For I have been
“Much honour'd at his house”—What interest
[to Toxilus.
Have I, or my affairs, in what your master
Or what the Persians do?

Tox.
Peace, foolish babler!
You do not know the luck hangs o'er your head—
Fortune for you but lights her torch in vain—

Dor.
And what's this mighty gainful luck then? Say—

Tox.
Ask those who know—I know no more than you,
But that I chanc'd to read the tablet first.
Go on as you began, and from the tablet
Inform yourself of all the whole affair—

Dor.
You counsel me aright—And so, be silent—

Tox.
Now you will come to what's for your advantage.

Dor.
[reading.]
“The man who brings this tablet, also brings
“And beautiful engaging girl, born free,
“Stolen, and brought here from the inmost part
“Of all Arabia—Take you care she's sold—
“But he who buys her, buys her at his peril.
“None will engage to warrant the possession.
“Mind you be paid in good and lawful money,
“And that my friend be well receiv'd—Farewell”—

Tox.
Well—D'you believe me, now you've read the tablet?

Dor.
Where is the man who brought this tablet to you?

Tox.
I've sent to fetch him from the ship—I think
He'll soon be here—

Dor.
I want no law, no quirks—
Why should I pay my cash for other folks?
I'll have my goods, or have them warranted.

Tox.
Will you then hold your tongue; or, will you not?
I never could have thought you such an ideot.
What is it you're afraid of—

Dor.
Troth, I fear—
Many a time and oft I've felt the smart—
And 'twill be no new thing to me, to stick
In such a bog—

Tox.
Psha! psha!—There seems no danger—

Dor.
Why that I know—But then, I have my fears—

Tox.
I have no private interest of my own—
Meerly on your account I mov'd the thing,
To throw a lucky purchase in your way—

Dor.
I thank you for't—But yet, 'tis sweeter far
Wisdom to gain from other's woes, than others
Should learn from ours—

Tox.
Who from the inmost part
Of Barbary can possibly pursue her?
Not buy her yet?—

Dor.
Let me but see the goods?

Tox.
You say what's just—but see! he comes himself,
The very man who brought the tablet to me.

Dor.
What! is this he?

Tox.
The very man—

Dor.
And this
The kidnapp'd girl?

Tox.
I know no more than you,
But that I've seen her—Be she who she will,
She's quite genteel—

Dor.
Her face is well enough.

Tox.
[aside]
With what contempt the scoundrel speaks of her—
In silence then we will observe her form.

[to Dord.]
Dor.
Well, be it so, I like your counsel well.