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

SCENE VIII.

To him enter Gripus.

Gri.

I'd speak a word wi' ye, Sir, when you're at leasure.

Dem.

What's the matter, Gripus?

Gri.

And concerning the Portmantle too. If you know what belongs to your Profit, secure what Heaven has sent ye.

Dem.

D' ye think it just to lay claim to what's none o' m' own?

Gri.

Didn't I find it i' the Sea?

Dem.

So much the better for him who lost it; but 'tis none o' yours the more for that.

Gri.

'Tis this Honesty o' yours, that makes ye so poor.

Dem.

O Gripus, take notice, there are a great many Hooks laid to catch Mankind, which often entangle 'em. And, troth, they're commonly so well baited, that if any covetous Fool chance to snap at 'em, they're caught, and must pay Sauce for their greediness. But the Man who carries himself warily, carefully and cunningly, may long enjoy his well-gotten Goods. I'm persuaded it will be more for our Profit, to return this Prize to th' Owner, than to keep it: And shall I pretend to keep what, I know, belongs to another Man? That's none o' your Master Demones's ways. Wise Men can never be too cautious i' this Case, for fear they become Partners wi' their Servants ill Actions. The satisfacti∣on o' returning it to th' Owner, is sufficient Reward to me, for the finding of it.

Gri.

I've often seen the Comedians o' the Stage, ap∣plauded for the wise and moral Instructions they taught the People; but when every one's got home, he ne'r observes 'em.

Dem.

Go in, and don't be troublesome, or saucy; I'll not gi' ye a Farthing of't, don't deceive your self.

Gri.

Then be it Gold, Silver, or any thing else, Hea∣ven grant it be all consum'd t' Ashes.

[Exit Gripus very angrily.]