Alv. Master, I had a mind to ask you——
Metaph. The title, master, comes from Magis and Ter, which is as much, to say, thrice worthy.
Alv. I never heard so much before, but it may be true for ought I know: but, master——
Metaph. Go on.
Alv. Why so I will if you'll let me, but don't interrupt me then.
Metaph. Enough, proceed.
Alv. Why then, master, for a third time, my son Camillo gives me much uneasiness of late; you know I love him, and have many careful thoughts about him.
Metaph. 'Tis true. Filio non potest præferri nisi filius.
Alv. Master, when one has business to talk on, these scholastic expressions are not of use; I believe you a great Latinist; possibly you may understand Greek: those who recommended you to me, said so, and I am willing it should be true: but the thing I want to discourse you about at present, does not properly give you an occasion to display your learning. Besides, to tell you truth, 'twill at all times be lost upon me; my father was a wise man, but he taught me nothing beyond common sense; I know but one tongue in the world, which luckily being understood by you as well as me, I fancy whatever thoughts we have to communicate to one another, may reasonably be convey'd in that, without having recourse to the language of Julius Cæsar.
Metaph. You are wrong, but may proceed.