Megadorus. The nearer you can unite yourself in alliance with honorable people the better. Do you receive this proposal, listen to me, and promise her to me.
Euclio. But there is no marriage portion, I tell you.
Megadorus. You are to give none; so long as she comes with good principles, she is sufficiently portioned.
Euclio. I say so for this reason, that you mayn’t be supposing that I have found any treasures.
Megadorus. I know that; don’t enlarge upon it. Promise her to me.
Euclio. So be it. (Starts and looks about.) But, oh, Jupiter, am I not utterly undone?
Megadorus. What’s the matter with you?
Euclio. What was it sounded just now as though it were iron?
Megadorus. I ordered them to dig up the garden at my place. (Euclio runs off into his house.) But where has this man gone? He’s off, and he hasn’t fully answered me; he treats me with contempt. Because he sees that I wish for his friendship, he acts after the usual manner of mankind. For if a wealthy person goes to ask a favor of a poorer one, the poor man is afraid to treat with him; through suspicion he hurts his own interest. The same person, when this opportunity is lost, afterward wishes for it too late.
Euclio (coming out of the house, addressing servant within). By the powers, if I don’t give you up to have your tongue cut out by the roots, I order and I authorize you to hand me over to any one you please, to be mutilated.