nor one to whom designedly I would with greater pleasure cause a mischief. LYCONIDES I’ faith, though I’ faith, though : In Hildyard’s edition this and the next line are given to Euclio; but they seem much more likely to belong to Congrio, as we do not find that any person has beat Euclio with sticks, whereas Congrio has already complained of the rough usage he has experienced. you should hold your noise, really that’s quite clear; the thing itself is its own witness. As it is, I’m made softer by far with your sticks than any ballet-dancer. But what right have you to touch us, you beggarman? What’s the matter? EUCLIO Do you even ask me? Is it that I’ve done less than I ought to have done? Only let me— (Is going to strike him.) LYCONIDES Now, by my faith, at your great peril, if this head should feel it! EUCLIO Troth, I don’t know what may happen What may happen : Euclio is laughing at his ifs, which commence the saving-clause of all cowards. He does not care what Congrio will do but he knows that he has already made his head to feel it. hereafter; your head feels it just now! But what business, pray, had you in my house, in my absence, unless I had ordered you? I want to know that. LYCONIDES Hold your noise, then; because we came to cook for the wedding. EUCLIO Why the plague do you trouble yourself whether I eat meat raw or cooked, unless you are my tutor You are my tutor : One of the duties of the paedagogus, or tutor of boys, would be to see that they did not eat unwholesome food. . LYCONIDES I want to know if you will allow or not allow us to cook the dinner here?