What is it that you’re ashamed about?PHILOXENUS Still, as you are a person, a friend of mine, I’m determined to entrust you with what I could wish. (Whispers.) I’m good for nought.NICOBULUS I’ve known that this long time; but tell me why you’re good for nought?PHILOXENUS I’ve been terribly touched with birdlime: troth, my heart is pierced by the goad.NICOBULUS I’ faith, ’twere much better if your flanks were goaded, you worthless fellow. But what is it? Although I suspect that I myself pretty well know already what it is; still, I should even like to hear it from yourself.PHILOXENUS Do you see that woman?(Pointing to the SECOND BACCHIS.)NICOBULUS I see her.PHILOXENUS She’s not an uncomely person.NICOBULUS Troth, but she is decidedly uncomely; and you are a good-for-nothing fellow.PHILOXENUS Why more? I’m in love. NICOBULUS You, in love?PHILOXENUS ’Pon honorPon honor: Ναι γάρ. This Greek phrase was, no doubt, used as a cant or off-hand mode of expression, just as on similar occasions we adopt the French oui or vraiement, yes, decidedly.. NICOBULUS And do you, you rotten creature, presume to become a lover at your time of life?PHILOXENUS Why not? NICOBULUS Because it’s a disgrace.PHILOXENUS What need of words? I am not vexed with my son, nor yet is it right you should be vexed with yours: if they are in love, they do wisely.1st BACCHIS Follow me this way.(They approach the old men.)NICOBULUS See, they are moving at last, these allurers and enticers to disgrace. (To the women.) How now? Do you this instant restore us our sons and my servant, or am I to try rougher means with you?PHILOXENUS Won’t you away with you? You surely are not a man, to address a pretty woman so rudely in that fashion.1st BACCHIS Most worthy old gentleman, by whatsoever is upon the earth, let me entreat this of you, that you will cease to attack this error with such great vehemence.NICOBULUS If you don’t away with you, although you are so handsome, I’ll be doing you some great mischief just now.1st BACCHIS I shall endure it; I don’t apprehend that any blow that you can give, will cause me any pain.NICOBULUS How smooth of speech she is. O me! I am in alarm.1st BACCHIS(aside.)He’s more calm already. (Aloud.) Step this way with me in-doors; and there, if you choose, correct your son.(Takes his arm.)NICOBULUS Avaunt from me, abomination!(Shakes her off.)1st BACCHIS Do, my love, let me prevail upon you.NICOBULUS You, prevail upon me?2nd BACCHIS For sure, I shall prevail, at all events, upon this gentleman.