THEU. (to himself). I must go to work to catch him cleverly and artfully when he comes here. I'll not disclose to him my feelings all at once; I'll throw out my line; I'll conceal the fact that I know anything of these matters.

TRA. (apart). O cunning mortal! not another person in Athens can be pronounced more clever than he. One can no more this day deceive him than he can a stone. I'll accost the man; I'll address him.

THEU. (to himself). Now I do wish that he would come here.

TRA. (apart). I' faith, if me indeed you want, here I am ready at hand for you. (Comes forward.)

THEU. Bravo! Tranio, what's being done?

TRA. The country people are coming from the country: Philolaches will be here in a moment.

THEU. I' faith, he comes opportunely for me. This neighbour of ours I take to be a shameless and dishonest fellow.

TRA. Why so?

THEU. Inasmuch as he denies that he knows you.

TRA. Denies it? THEU. And declares that you never gave him a single coin of money.