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

SCENE VIII.

Periphanes, and the Musick-woman.

Per. walking on one side of the Stage.]

So, so! thour't a brave Fellow, Epidicus, a brave Fellow, in troth; and hast got the day. Thour't a Man every inch o' thee; and hast led me by the Nose, as if I had been the meer∣est Nicompoop i' the World.—

[To Her]

Hark ye, did'nt Apecides buy ye to day, o' the Slave-Mer∣chant?

Mus.

I ne'r hear'd o' the Man till now; besides, I'm past being sold, and have had my Freedom above this five Years.

Per.

Why came ye hither then?

[Angrily.

Mus.

I'll tell ye, Sir.—I was brought hither to sing at a Sacrifice, an old Gentleman was t' offer.

Per. aside.]

I must own my self the poorest Sot in all

the Town and Country.—

[To Her.]

But d'ye know Acropolistis, the Musick-Girl?

Mus.

As well as my self.

Per.

Where dwells she?

Mus.

I can't tell at present, since she had her Freedom given her.

Per.

How, her Freedom? Who gav't her? I'd fain know that, if you cou'd tell me.

Mus.

Sir, what I know my self, I'll tell ye.—I hear'd young Stratippocles, rich Periphanes's Son, took care to get her freed in his absence.

Per.

'Sdeath, I must run my Country if all this be true.—'Tis notorious now, that Epidicus has squeas'd my Pockets most intollerably.

[Aside.

Mus.

This is what I was told.—Please ye to com∣mand me any further?

Per.

Yes, to get ye to the Devil as fast as you can, or out o' my sight.

[He snatches one of her Instruments.

Mus.

You'll gi' me my Instrument first?

Per.

No, neither your Fiddle nor Bagpipes neither.—

[He takes her other Instruments.]

Be gon in a moment, as you hope to sleep in a whole Skin.

Mus.

Well, I'll go; but I'll make the Devil to do, when I come back.

[Exit Musick Woman in a rage.