I’m undone. What business is this? Why are these men running towards me, pray? What do you want? What do you seek? Why do you stand around me? (They seize and drag him.) Whither are you dragging me? Whither are you carrying me? I’m undone. I entreat your assistance, citizens, men of Epidamnus, come and help me. (To the men.) Why don’t you let me go? MESSENIO (running towards them.) O ye immortal Gods, I beseech you, what do I behold with my eyes? Some fellows, I know not who, are most disgracefully carrying off my master upon their shoulders. MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Who is it that ventures to bring me aid? MESSENIO I, master, and right boldly. (Aloud.) O shameful and scandalous deed, citizens of Epidamnus, for my master, here in a town enjoying peace, to be carried off, in daylight, in the street, who came to you a free man. Let him go. MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. Prithee, whoever you are, do lend me your aid, and don’t suffer so great an outrage to be signally committed against me. MESSENIO Aye, I’ll give you my aid, and I’ll defend you, and zealously succour you. I’ll never let you come to harm; ’tis fitter that I myself should come to harm. I’ll now make a sowing on the faces of these fellows, and there I’ll plant my fists. I’ faith, you’re carrying this person off this day at your own extreme hazard. Let him go. (He lays about him.) MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. (fighting with them.) I’ve got hold of this fellow’s eye. MESSENIO Make the socket of his eye be seen in his head. You rascals! you villains! you robbers! THE SERVANTS (severally.) We are undone. Troth, now, prithee, do— MESSENIO Let him go then. MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. What business have you to touch me? Thump them with your fists. MESSENIO Come, begone, fly hence to utter perdition with you. (Three run away.) Here’s for you, too (giving the fourth one a punch) ; because you are the last to yield, you shall have this for a reward. (They all disappear.) Right well have I marked his face, and quite to my liking. Troth, now, master, I really did come to your help just now in the nick of time. MENAECHMUS of Epidamnus. And may the Gods, young man, whoever you are, ever bless you. For, had it not been for you, I should never have survived this day until sunset. MESSENIO By my troth, then, master, if you do right, you will give me my freedom.