Hallo! you, enough now. Do you hear what he’s saying?LEONIDA(in the same way to LIBANUS.)I hear, and I’ll have done.THE ASS-DEALER(aside.)At last, I think, he has done: now it’s best to accost him before he commences again to prate. (To LEONIDA.) How soon, sir, will you give me your attention?LEONIDAOh, by all means—have you been here any time? Troth, I didn’t observe you; pray, don’t lay it to my charge: anger has so blinded my eyesight.THE ASS-DEALER’Tisn’t to be wondered at. But if he’s at home, I was wanting Demaenetus.LEONIDALibanus says that he isn’t within. But still, if you like to pay that money over to me, I’ll give you an acquittance that the account is discharged as to that item.THE ASS-DEALERThis way rather, for me to pay you in the presence of your master, Demaenetus.LIBANUSMy master knows him, and he my master.THE ASS-DEALERIn his master’s presence, I’ll pay him.LIBANUSAt my peril, so you only pay him, I’ll engage the matter’s safe. For if our old gentleman were to know that confidence wasn’t placed in him, to whom he himself always entrusts the management of all matters, he would be angry.LEONIDAI don’t much care; don’t let him not pay it, if he don’t like; so let him stand here.LIBANUSGive it him, I say. Oh dear, I’m sadly afraid that he’ll be thinking that I’ve persuaded you not to trust him; prithee, do give it and don’t be afraid. Upon my word, it will be safe.THE ASS-DEALERI think it will be—so long, indeed, as I myself keep it in my hand. I’m a stranger; I don’t know Saurea.LIBANUSWell, know him now then.THE ASS-DEALERIt may be he, it may not be he; i’ faith, I know not; if it’s he, why then it must be he. I know for sure that I shall give this up to no person that I don’t know.LEONIDA(aside.)Troth now, may all the Gods confound the fellow. (Aloud to LIBANUS.) Take care you don’t entreat him with a word. He’s arrogant, because he’s fingering my twenty minae. No one will take it. (To the ASS-DEALER.) Take yourself off home, be off from here, and don’t be troublesome.