Tam. What is the meaning of that contraction of your brow? Smooth those wrinkles. Haven’t you been advised to lay down all thoughts of literature in the abode of the Muses?
Lup. Our thoughts on literature are so illiterate that the Muses who are in their abode wouldn’t own them.
Manr. All prosperity!
Val. Prosperity is doubtful, when you are called to the line of battle and to warfare, in which, indeed, kings will be present!
Tam. Be of good cheer! Money-purses, not necks, will be attacked.
Lup. The money-purse often is in place of a neck, and money in place of blood and spirit; as with those Carians, whose contempt of life is the pretext for kings to practise their madness on them.
Manr. I don’t wish to be an actor in, but the spectator of, this play.
Tam. How so?
Manr. Because I am so very unfortunate; I always go away from playing, beaten and despoiled.
Tam. Do you know what dice-players say, in a proverb of theirs? “You should seek your toga where you lost it.”