A house, I tell you. But do you know of what sort?THEUROPIDESHow can I know?TRANIOOut with you! THEUROPIDESWhat’s the matter?TRANIODon’t ask me that. THEUROPIDESBut why so?TRANIOBright as a mirror, pure brilliancy itself.THEUROPIDESExcellently done, upon my faith! Well, how much did he agree to give for it?TRANIOAs many great talents as you and I put together make; but these forty minae he paid by way of earnest. (Pointing to the BANKER.) From him he received what we paid the other man. Do you quite understandDo you quite understand: Warner suggests, that by using this expression before the Banker, he intends to make a secret of the house being haunted, and that he keeps up the mystery in the succeeding line.? For after this house was in such a state as I mentioned to you, he at once purchased another house for himself.THEUROPIDESExcellently done, upon my faith!A BANKER(touching TRANIO.)Hark you. Mid-day is now close at hand.TRANIOPrithee, do dismiss this puking fellow, that he mayn’t worry us to death. Appears to be a repeat of line 630 in the Latin continuing into the firt part of line 631.Forty-four minae are due to him, both principal and interest.A BANKER’Tis just that much; I ask for nothing more.TRANIOUpon my faith, I really could have wished that you had asked more, if only by a single coin.THEUROPIDES(to the BANKER.)Young man, transact the business with me.A BANKERI’m to ask it of you, you mean?THEUROPIDESCome for it to-morrow.A BANKERI’ll be off, then; I’m quite satisfied if I get it tomorrow.(Exit.)TRANIO(aside.)A plague may all the Gods and Goddesses send upon him! so utterly has he disarranged my plans. On my word, no class of men is there more disgusting, or less acquainted with fair dealing than the banking race.THEUROPIDESIn what neighbourhood did my son buy this house?TRANIO(aside.)Just see that, now! I’m undone!THEUROPIDESAre you going to tell me that which I ask you?TRANIOI’ll tell you; but I’m thinking what was the name of the owner.(Pretends to think.)THEUROPIDESWell, call it to mind, then.TRANIO(aside.)What am I to do now, except put the lie upon this neighbour of ours next door? I’ll say that his son has bought that house. I’ faith, I’ve heard say that a lie piping-hot is the best lie; this is piping-hot; although it is at a distance off, it scorches badly. Whatever the Gods dictate, that am I determined to say.THEUROPIDESWell now? Have you recollected it by this?TRANIO(aside.)May the Gods confound that fellow!—no this other fellow, rather.