Nugo. What has become of that young countryman (paganus) who some months ago on his arrival entertained us with a lunch consisting of delicacies brought from the country, after whom the teacher has sent four slave-catchers to bring him back from his flight? He was rather a handsome fellow!
Turd. He has become a delightful ass! My aunt’s maid-servant, who is his cousin, met him lately in his village, with bare head, uncombed, shaggy, and bristly, with wooden shoes and a poor, rough coat, selling in a public square paper pictures and horn books, and singing new songs before a circle of sightseers.
Grac. Yet he must be a man sprung from a distinguished family.
Turd. Why so?
Grac. Since his father is of the race of the Coclites.
Nugo. That name does not so much argue a man of noble family as a thrower of the dart. He will take his aim easily.
Turd. Or it betokens a carpenter who directs his red-chalk with one eye.
Nugo. That boy has never pleased me, nor has he ever disclosed to me any sign of ability.
Grac. How so?