LEL. What? was this…?
MASC. Yes, ninny; it was to release the captive that I was getting the money, whereof your officiousness took care to deprive us.
LEL. If that is the case, I am in the wrong. But who could have imagined it?
MASC. It really required a great deal of discernment.
LEL. You should have made some signs to warn me of what was going on.
MASC. Yes, indeed; I ought to have eyes in my back. By Jove, be quiet, and let us hear no more of your nonsensical excuses. Another, after all this, would perhaps abandon everything; but I have planned just now a master-stroke, which I will immediately put into execution, on condition that if…
[Footnote: The play is supposed to be in Sicily; hence Pagan oaths are not out of place. Even at the present time Italians say, per Jove! per Bacco!]
LEL. No, I promise you henceforth not to interfere either in word or deed.
MASC. Go away, then, the very sight of you kindles my wrath.
LEL. Above all, don't delay, for fear that in this business…