Enter Macrinus, met by Theophilus and Harpax.

Theoph. The Sun, god of the day, guide thee, Macrinus!

Mac. And thee, Theophilus!

Theoph. Glad'st thou in such scorn[33]?
I call my wish back.

Mac. I'm in haste.

Theoph. One word,
Take the least hand[34] of time up:—stay.

Mac. Be brief.

Theoph. As thought: I prithee tell me, good Macrinus,
How health and our fair princess lay together
This night, for you can tell; courtiers have flies[35],
That buzz all news unto them.

Mac. She slept but ill.

Theoph. Double thy courtesy; how does Antoninus?