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.ASTAPHIUMWhy then, prithee, are you standing before the door as a stranger and an alien? Do go in-doors. Really you are no stranger; for, upon my faith, not one person this day does she more love in her heart and soul—(aside) if, indeed, you’ve got land and tenements.DINARCHUSYour tongues and talk are steeped in honey; your doings and dispositions are steeped in gall and sour vinegar.From your tongues you utter sweet words; you make your lovers of bitter heart if any don’t give you presents.ASTAPHIUMI’ve not learnt to say what’s false.DINARCHUSIt was not this liberality of mine that taught you to say what’s false, but those niggardly fellows who are struggling against their appetites.You are a sly one, and the same artful coaxer that you used to be.ASTAPHIUMHow ardently longed for have you returned from abroad! But, prithee, do come, my mistress wants to see you.DINARCHUSHow so, pray?ASTAPHIUMYou alone of all mankind does she love.DINARCHUS(aside.)Well done, lands and tenements; you have come to my aid in good time. (To ASTAPHIUM.) But how say you, Astaphium—?ASTAPHIUMWhat do you want?DINARCHUSIs Phronesium in-doors just now?ASTAPHIUMTo you at all events she’s in-doors.DINARCHUSIs she well?ASTAPHIUMAye, faith, and I do believe she’ll be still better when she sees you.DINARCHUSThis is our greatest fault: when we’re in love, then we are undone; if that which we wish is told us, when manifestly they are telling lies, in our folly we believe it to be true; verily as though with a tide we fluctuate.ASTAPHIUMHeyday now—such is not the fact.DINARCHUSDo you say that she loves me?ASTAPHIUMAye, you only, alone.DINARCHUSI heard that she was brought to bed.ASTAPHIUMOh, prithee, Dinarchus, do hold your tongue.DIN,Why so? ASTAPHIUMI shudder in my alarm, as often as mention is made of childbirth, with such difficulty has Phronesium survived for you. Prithee, do come in-doors now; do go to see her and wait there a little. She’ll be out just now; for she was at the bath.