Phæd. And what have you done with your old friend, and my old sweetheart, Judge Gripus? has he brought me home a crammed purse, that swells with bribes? if he be rich, I will make him welcome like an honourable magistrate; but if he has not had the wit to sell justice, he judges no causes in my court, I warrant him.

Alc. My lord, you tell me nothing of the battle?

Is Thebes victorious, are our foes destroyed?

For, now I find you safe, I should be glad

To hear you were in danger.

Jup. [Aside.] A man had need be a god, to stand the fury of three talking women! I think, in my conscience, I made their tongues of thunder.

Brom. [Pulling him on one side.] I asked the first question; answer me, my lord.

Phæd. [Pulling him on the other side.] Peace! mine is a lover, and yours but a husband; and my judge is my lord too; the title shall take place, and I will be answered.

Jup. Sosia is safe; Gripus is rich; both coming;

I rode before them, with a lover's haste.——