I’ll be there just now. SIMO Well now, how soon—? TRANIO What is it? SIMO The usual goings-on. TRANIO Tell me then, these usual goings-on, what are they? SIMO The way that you yourselves proceed. But, Tranio, to say the truth, according as men are, it so befits you to humour them; reflecting, at the same time, how short life is. TRANIO What of all this? Dear me, at last, after some difficulty, I perceive that you are talking about these goings-on of ours. SIMO I’ faith, you people are living a merry life, just as befits you: on wine, good cheer, nice dainty fish, you enjoy life. TRANIO Why yes, so it was in time past, indeed; but now these things have come to an end all at once. SIMO How so? TRANIO So utterly, Simo, are we all undone! SIMO Won’t you hold your tongue? Everything has gone on prosperously with you hitherto. TRANIO I don’t deny that it has been as you say; undoubtedly, we have lived heartily, just as we pleased; but, Simo, in such a way has the breeze now forsaken our ship— SIMO What’s the matter? In what way? TRANIO In a most shocking way. SIMO What, wasn’t it hauled ashore Wasn’t it hauled ashore : It was the custom, when ships were not in use, especially in the winter time, to draw them up on shore, by means of rollers placed beneath them. in safety? TRANIO Ah me! SIMO What’s the matter? TRANIO Ah wretched me! I’m utterly undone! SIMO How so? TRANIO Because a ship has come, to smash the hull of our ship. SIMO I would wish as you would wish, Tranio, for your own sake. But what is the matter? Do inform me. TRANIO I will inform you. My master has arrived from abroad. SIMO In that case, the cord will be stretched for you; thence to the place where iron fetters clink; after that, straight to the cross. TRANIO Now, by your knees, I do implore you, don’t give information to my master. SIMO Don’t you fear; he shall know nothing from me. TRANIO Blessings on you, my patron. SIMO I don’t care for clients of this description for myself.