Euclio. I’m lamenting my poverty. I’ve a grown-up girl without a portion, and one that can’t be disposed of in marriage; nor am I able to marry her to anybody.
Megadorus. Hold your peace; be of good courage, Euclio; she shall have a husband; you shall be assisted by myself. If you have need of help, command me.
Euclio (aside). Now he is aiming at my property, while he’s making promises. He’s gaping for my gold, that he may devour it; in the one hand he is carrying a stone, while he shows the bread in the other. I trust no person who, rich himself, is exceedingly courteous to a poor man; when he extends his hand with a kind air, then is he loading you with some damage. I know these polyps, who, when they’ve touched a thing, hold it fast.
Megadorus. Give me your attention, Euclio, for a little while; I wish to speak a few words to you about a common concern of yours and mine.
Euclio (aside). Alas! wo is me! My gold has been carried off from my house. Now he’s wishing for this thing, I’m sure, to come to a compromise with me; but I’ll look in my house first.
(He goes toward his door.)
Megadorus. Where are you going?
Euclio. I’ll return to you directly, for there’s something I must go and see to at home.
(Goes into his house.)
Megadorus. I verily believe that when I make mention of his daughter, for him to promise her to me, he’ll suppose that I am laughing at him; for I do not know of any man poorer than he.