768_
MICIO. Must I be plagued with the same thing so often?]

SCENE III.

_MICIO alone._

Though what he says be not entirely true,
There's something in it, and it touches me.
But I dissembled my concern with him,
Because the nature of the man is such,
To pacify, I must oppose and thwart him;
And even thus I scarce can teach him patience.
But were I to inflame, or aid his anger,
I were as great a madman as himself.
Yet AEschinus, 'tis true, has been to blame.
What wench is there he has not lov'd? to whom
He has not made some present--And but lately
(Tir'd, I suppose, and sick of wantonness)
He told me he propos'd to take a wife.
I hop'd the heyday of the blood was over,
And was rejoic'd: but his intemperance
Breaks out afresh.--Well, be it what it may,
I'll find him out; and know it instantly,
If he is to be met with at the Forum. (_Exit._

[Changes:

_Harper_
What wench is there he has not lov'd? to whom
He has not made some present--And but lately
_Colman 1768_
What wench is there but he is her gallant?
Or tempts her with some gift?--But lately too]

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

_Enter AESCHINUS, SANNIO, PARMENO, the _Music-Girl_, and a crowd of
People._

SAN. Help, help, dear countrymen, for Heaven's sake!
Assist a miserable, harmless man!
Help the distress'd!

AESCH. (_to the Girl_). Fear nothing: stand just there!
Why d'ye look back? you're in no danger. Never,
While I am by, shall he lay hands upon you.

SAN. Aye, but I will, in spite of all the world.

AESCH. Rogue as he is, he'll scarce do any thing
To make me cudgel him again to-day.

SAN. One word, Sir AEschinus! that you may not
Pretend to ignorance of my profession;
I'm a procurer.

AESCH. True.

SAN. And in my way
Of as good faith as any man alive.
Hereafter, to absolve yourself, you'll cry,
That you repent of having wrong'd me thus.
I sha'n't care _that_ for your excuse. (_Snapping his fingers._) Be sure
I'll prosecute my right; nor shall fine words
Atone for evil deeds. I know your way,
--"I'm sorry that I did it: and I'll swear
You are unworthy of this injury"----
Though all the while I'm us'd most scurvily.

AESCH. (_to PAR._) Do you go forward, Parmeno, and throw
The door wide open.

SAN. That sha'n't signify.

AESCH. (_to PARMENO_). Now in with her!

SAN. (_stepping between_). I'll not allow it.

AESCH. (_to PARMENO_). Here!
Come hither, Parmeno!--you're too far off.-