I’ll tell you, but you be mum. Don’t you know this Strabax? (Pointing to his FATHER’S house.) DINARCHUS Why shouldn’t I? ASTAPHIUM He alone rules the roast here at our house. He just now is a landed estate to us. With right good spirit is he wantonly wasting away his property. DINARCHUS He’s on the road to ruin; i’ faith, I, too, have come to ruin. ASTAPHIUM You are a simpleton, to expect with words to make undone what is done. DINARCHUS Even Thetis, too, in weeping, made lamentation for her son. Can I not now be admitted in-doors to your house? ASTAPHIUM Why so rather than the Captain? DINARCHUS Why, because I’ve given more. ASTAPHIUM But you were admitted more, when you were giving more; let those who give, in return for that which they give, enjoy our services. You’ve learnt your letters; since you know them yourself, let others learn them. DINARCHUS Let them learn, so long as it is allowed me to con my lesson, that I may not forget what I have paid for.
 ASTAPHIUM In the meantime, while you, who are a master, shall be conning your lesson, she, as well, is desirous to con hers. DINARCHUS How so? ASTAPHIUM In receiving money ever and anon. DINARCHUS For my own part, this very day I gave five minae of silver to be carried to her, besides one for provisions. ASTAPHIUM I know that the same was brought; with it we are now enjoying ourselves upon your liberality. DINARCHUS For these enemies of mine here to be devouring my property! By heavens, I’d rather that I were dead than submit to that! ASTAPHIUM You are a simpleton. DINARCHUS How’s that? Part of line 746 in the Latin. There is some corruption. ASTAPHIUM Wait. Part of line 746 in the Latin. There is some corruption. DINARCHUS Why so? ASTAPHIUM Because, I’ troth, I’d rather that my enemies should envy me, than I my enemies; for to envy because it goes well with another, and goes badly with yourself, is wretchedness. Those who are envious, are in want; they who are envied, possess property. DINARCHUS May I not be a partaker of the provisions bought with the mina? ASTAPHIUM If you wanted to be a partaker, you should have taken half home. For here an account of the receipts is entered just as at Acheron; we take in-doors; when it’s got by us, it can’t be carried out of doors. (Turning on her heel.) Kindly farewell. DINARCHUS (catching hold of her.) Do stay.