Ire. If thou talk'st a little longer, I shall guess as much as she knows. But who's here?
[Ergasto, Phormio, Cleon, talking at the door.
Phor. Ne'er fright me with the lightning of her eyes; on me she may open or shut her eyes as she please, but my happiness is not at her disposing.
Cle. If thou provest a lover, my next song is begun.
Phor. I will not deny but I may love her, if she please. But if she be not pleased with my love, if it continue two hours, I'll give her leave to tie me to her monkey.
Cle. Look, Ergasto has found two of the ladies, and has set his face to begin to them.
Phor. In verse or prose?
Cle. We shall hear, if we draw nearer. A good evening, ladies!
Ire. We thank you, my lords; but if we were superstitious, your company were no good omen.
Phor. Why, I beseech you?