Follow me this way; I’ll soon let you know.NICOBULUS Where on earth shall I follow you?CHRYSALUS Only three steps. NICOBULUS Aye, ten even.CHRYSALUS Come, then, Artamo, do you open you this door out a very little way; softly, don’t make it creak. (The door of the house of BACCHIS is opened.) That’s enough. Now, step you hither. (To NICOBULUS, who looks in.) Do you see the entertainment?NICOBULUS(still looking in.)I see Pistoclerus and Bacchis right opposite.CHRYSALUS Who are upon that other couch?NICOBULUS(looking on the other side.)Wretch that I am, I’m undone.CHRYSALUSDo you recognize that person?NICOBULUS I do recognize him. CHRYSALUS Now tell me, if you please, does that woman seem of handsome appearance?NICOBULUS Very much so. CHRYSALUS Well, do you take her to be a courtesan?NICOBULUS Why not? CHRYSALUS You are mistaken.NICOBULUS Who is she then, prithee? CHRYSALUS You’ll find out from me. indeed, you’ll get no more information to-day.

(Enter CLEOMACHUS, at a distance.)CLEOMACHUS(aloud.)Is this Mnesilochus, the son of Nicobulus, by force to detain my own mistress? What proceeding is this?NICOBULUS Who’s this? CHRYSALUS(aside.)This Captain’s opportunely come for me.CLEOMACHUS He doesn’t consider that I am a soldier, but a woman, who cannot defend myself and mine. But may neither Bellona nor Mars ever put confidence in me, if I don’t put him out of life, if I meet him, or if I don’t make him lose possession of his existence.NICOBULUS Chrysalus, who’s this that’s threatening my son?CHRYSALUS This is the husband of that woman with whom he is now reclining.NICOBULUS What! The husband?CHRYSALUS The husband, I say. NICOBULUS Prithee, is she married then?CHRYSALUS You’ll know before very long.NICOBULUS Wretch that I am; I’m utterly undone.CHRYSALUS How now? Does Chrysalus seem such a villain to you? Come, chain me nowChain me now: He says this satirically pointing to his fetters, and do listen to your son. Didn’t I tell you that you would discover what sort of person he is?