Speak out; what do these persons owe you whom you are seeking? A SHARPER. The father of this young man, Lesbonicus, delivered to me these two letters; he is a friend of mine. CHARMIDES (aside.) I have now caught him in the fact; he says that I gave him the letters. I will have some fine sport with the fellow. A SHARPER. As I have begun, if you will give attention, I will say on. CHARMIDES I’ll give you my attention. A SHARPER. He bade me give this letter to his son, Lesbonicus, and this other one, as well, he bade me give to his friend Callicles. CHARMIDES (aside.) Troth, but since he is acting the impostor, I, on the other hand, have an inclination to act the cheat as well. Where was he himself? A SHARPER. He was carrying on his business prosperously. CHARMIDES But where? A SHARPER. At Seleucia. CHARMIDES And did you receive these from himself? A SHARPER. With his own hands he himself delivered them into my hands. CHARMIDES Of what appearance is this person? A SHARPER. He is a person somewhere about half a foot taller than you. CHARMIDES (aside.) This is an odd matter, if in fact I am taller when absent than when present. Do you know this person? A SHARPER. You are asking me a ridiculous question; together with him I was in the habit of taking my meals. CHARMIDES What is his name? A SHARPER. One, i’ faith, that belongs to an honorable man. CHARMIDES I would like to hear it. A SHARPER. Troth, his name (hesitating) —his—his— (Aside.) Woe to unfortunate me. CHARMIDES What’s the matter? A SHARPER. Unguardedly, I this moment swallowed the name. CHARMIDES I like not the man that has his friends shut up within his teeth. A SHARPER. And yet this moment ’twas dwelling on the very edge of my lips. CHARMIDES (aside.) I’ve come to-day in good time before this fellow. A SHARPER. (aside.) To my sorrow I’m caught in the fact. CHARMIDES Have you now recollected the name? A SHARPER. ’Fore Gods and men, i’ faith, I’m ashamed of myself