Like Telephus; with reason good; for they

Are, one and all, without exception,

A set of precious scoundrels. Speak to one,

He'll measure you from top to toe, then look

Upon his fish, but still no answer give.

Turn o'er a polypus, and ask another

The price, he soon begins to swell and chafe,

And mutters out half-words between his teeth,

But nothing so distinct that you may learn

His real meaning—so many oboli;