Plautus's comedies ... made English, with critical remarks upon each play.

SCENE II.

Epidicus alone.

He's gone, and now thou'rt alone: thou seest in what a sweet Condition thou'rt in, Mr. Epidicus; and without speedy Relief, thou'rt undoubtedly blown up. So many tottering Ruins, and such vast Loads o' Mischiefs come tumbling upo' my •…•…ead, that 'tis impossible to subsist without a thou∣sand Props. And yet I can't find one to help to sustain this confounded Shock.—What a Rogue was I t'im∣pose upo'th' Old Man wi'my damn'd Tricks, and make him believe he had redeem'd his Daughter, when 'twas only a Musick-Girl, his Son's Miss, whom he order'd to buy when he went to the Camp. But now my Gen∣tleman, to please his Humour, has pick'd up another there, and my Skin must pay the purchase: For when our old Fox comes once to smell out the Roguery, I shall be flea'd alive. Therefore have all your Wits a∣bout ye.—Projecting's to no purpose; for my Brains are all Confusion.—

[He looks upon himself]

Epidicus, thou'rt an errant Ass.—

[In another Tone]

But why so scurrilous, my Friend!—Because, Fool, thou'st left thy self to the wide Word.—Why, what wou'd y' ha' me do?—Why that Question to me?—Because for∣merly y' use to be so plaguy cunning at advising.—What?—What, I say?—I must to work upon something.—But I'm too backward in meeting my Gentleman, to know how matters stand.—

[Discovering Stratippo∣cles and Cheribulus]

O here he comes, i'the dumps too, with his Friend Cheribulus.—I'll move on one side, to hear their Discourse wi'more ease.

[He stands on one side a little.