That Lesbonicus, the son of my master, has betrothed his sister; in those terms.CALLICLESTo what person has he betrothed her?STASIMUSTo Lysiteles, the son of Philto; without a portion, too.CALLICLESWithout a portion, will he marry her into a family so richInto a family so rich: In tantas divitias, literally, into so great wealth.? You are telling me a thing not to be credited.STASIMUSWhy, faith, you would be for never believing. If you don’t believe this, at all events I shall be believing—CALLICLESWhat? STASIMUSThat I don’t care a fig for your belief.CALLICLESHow long since, or where, was this matter agreed to?STASIMUSOn this very spot—here, before his door (pointing to PHILTO’S house). This moment-likeThis moment-like: Tammodo, He is joking upon the patois of the people of Praeneste, who said tammodo, instead of modo, this instant, or just now. Festus also alludes to this expression, as used by the Praenestines. In the Truculentus, act iii., sc. 2, l. 23, he again takes them off for catting Ciconia down to Conia. Praeeste was a town of Latium, not far from Rome. Its present name is Palestrina., as the man of Praeneste says.CALLICLESAnd has Lesbonicus, amid his ruined fortunes, become so much more frugal than in his prosperous circumstances?STASIMUSWhy, in fact, Philto himself came of his own accord to make the offer for his son.CALLICLES(aside.)By my troth, it really will be a disgrace, if a portion is not given to the maiden. In fine, I think, i’ faith, that that matter concerns myself. I will go to my corrector, and will ask advice of him.(Exit.)STASIMUSI pretty nearly guess, and I have a strong suspicion, why he makes such speed on this: namely, that he may turn Lesbonicus out of his bit of land, after he has turned him out of his house. O Charmides, my master! since your property here is being torn to pieces in your absence, I wish I could see you return safe, that you might both take vengeance on your enemies, and give the reward to me according as I have behaved, and do behave towards you. ’Tis an extremely difficult thing for a friend to be found really such as the name imports, to whom, when you have entrusted your interests, you may sleep without any care. But lo! I perceive our son-in-lawOur son-i-law: He means Lysiteles, the contemplated son-in-law of his master Charmides, whom he has just been apostrophising. coming, together with his neighbour. Something—what, I know not—is wrong between them. They are walking, each with a hasty step; the one is catching the other that is before him by the cloak. They have come to a stop in no very courteous fashion. I’ll step aside here a little distance. I have a wish to hear the conversation of these two that are to be connected by marriage.(He retires to a distance.)

(Enter LYSITELES and LESBONICUS.)LYSITELESStay, this moment; don’t turn away, and don’t hide yourself from me.(He catches hold of his cloak.)LESBONICUS(shaking him off)Can’t you allow me to go whither I was proceeding?LYSITELESIf, Lesbonicus, it seems to be to your interest, either for your glory or for your honour, I will let you go.LESBONICUSYou are doing a thing that it is very easy to do.LYSITELESWhat is that? LESBONICUSAn injury to a friend.LYSITELESIt is no way of mine, and I have not learned so to do.LESBONICUSUntaught as you are, how cleverly you do it. What would you have done, if any one had taught you to be thus annoying to me? You, who, when you pretend to be acting kindly to me, use me ill, and are intending evil.LYSITELESWhat!—I? LESBONICUSYes—you.LYSITELESHow do I use you ill?LESBONICUSInasmuch as you do that which I do not wish.LYSITELESI wish to consult your advantage.LESBONICUSAre you kinder to me than I am to myself? I have sense enough; I see sufficiently well those things that are for my own advantage.LYSITELESAnd is it having sense enough to refuse a kindness from a well-wisher?