Part 70 (1/2)

aeSCH. (_to PARMENO_). Here!

Come hither, Parmeno!--you're too far off.---- Stand close to that pimp's side--There--there--just there!

And now be sure you always keep your eyes Steadfastly fix'd on mine; and when I wink, To drive your fist directly in his face.

SAN. Aye, if he dare.

aeSCH. (_to PARMENO_). Now mind!-- (_To SANNIO_). Let go the girl (_SANNIO still struggling with the Girl, aeSCHINUS winks, and PARMENO strikes SANNIO_).

SAN. Oh monstrous!

aeSCH. He shall double it, unless You mend your manners.

(_PARMENO strikes SANNIO again._)

SAN. Help, help: murder, murder!

aeSCH. (_to PARMENO_). I did not wink: but you had better err That way than t'other.--Now go in with her.

(_PARMENO leads the Girl into MICIO'S house._)

SAN. How's this?--Do you reign king here, aeschinus?

aeSCH. Did I reign king, you should be recompens'd According to your virtues, I a.s.sure you.

SAN. What business have you with me?

aeSCH. None.

SAN. D'ye know Who I am, aeschinus?

aeSCH. Nor want to know.

SAN. Have I touch'd aught of yours, Sir?

aeSCH. If you had, You should have suffer'd for't.

SAN. What greater right Have you to take away my slave, for whom I paid my money? answer me!

aeSCH. 'Twere best You'd leave off bellowing before our door: If you continue to be troublesome, I'll have you dragg'd into the house, and there Lash'd without mercy.

SAN. How, a freeman lash'd!

aeSCH. Ev'n so.

SAN. O monstrous tyranny! Is this, Is this the liberty they boast of here, Common to all?

aeSCH. If you have brawl'd enough, Please to indulge me with one word, you pimp.

SAN. Who has brawl'd most, yourself or I?

aeSCH. Well, well!

No more of that, but to the point!

SAN. What point?