While he’s alive, you may know a person; when he’s dead, you may keep yourself quiet. I used to know you when you were alive. DINARCHUS Do you consider me to be dead? ASTAPHIUM Prithee, how can it be plainer? He who formerly was esteemed a first-rate lover, for him to be bringing to his mistress nought but lamentations Nought but lamentations : Meras querimonias Literally, mere complaints. . DINARCHUS I’ faith, through your own faults it was done, who in former days were in haste to plunder me. You ought to have done it leisurely, that, unscathed, I might last the longer for you. ASTAPHIUM A lover is like an enemy’s fortress. DINARCHUS On what ground? ASTAPHIUM The sooner the lover can be taken by storm, the better it is for the mistress. DINARCHUS I confess it; but far different is the friend from the lover. I’ faith, for sure, the oldest friend’s the best one possible for a man. I’ faith, my lands and tenements are not yet all gone.