was delighted. But look
{now}, he is at it again; however, I am determined to know it,
whatever it is, and to go meet the fellow, if he is at the Forum.
(_Exit._

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

_Enter AESCHINUS and PARMENO with the MUSIC-GIRL, followed by SANNIO
and a crowd of people._

SAN. I beseech you, fellow-citizens, do give aid to a miserable and
innocent man; do assist the distressed.

AESCH. (_to the GIRL._) Be quiet, and now then stand here just where
you are. Why do you look back? There's no danger; he shall never touch
you while I am here.

SAN. I'll {have} her, in spite of all.

AESCH. Though he is a villain, he'll not risk, to-day, getting a
second beating.

SAN. Hear me, Aeschinus, that you may not say that you were in
ignorance of my calling; I am a Procurer.[32]

AESCH. I know it.

SAN. And of as high a character as any one ever was. When you shall be
excusing yourself by-and-by, how that you wish this injury had not
been done me, I shall not value it this (_snapping his fingers_).
Depend upon it, I'll prosecute my rights; and you shall never pay with
words for the evil that you have done me in deed. I know those {ways}
of yours: "I wish it hadn't happened; I'll take my oath that you did
not deserve this injustice;" while I myself have been treated in a
disgraceful manner.

AESCH. (_to PARMENO._) Go first with all dispatch and open the door.
(_PARMENO opens the door._)

SAN. But you will avail nothing by this.

AESCH. (_To the GIRL._) Now then, step in.

SAN. (_coming between._) But I'll not let her.

AESCH. Step this way, Parmeno; you are gone too far that way; here
(_pointing_), stand close by him; there, that's what I want. Now then,
take care you don't move your eyes in any direction from mine, that
there may be no delay if I give you the sign, to your fist being
instantly planted in his jaws.

SAN. I'd have him then try that.

AESCH. (_to PARMENO._) Now then, observe me.

PAR. (_to SANNIO._) Let go the woman. (_Strikes him._)

SAN. Oh! scandalous deed!

AESCH. He shall repeat it, if you don't take care. (_PARMENO strikes
him again._)

SAN. Oh shocking!

AESCH. (_to PARMENO._) I didn't give the sign; but still make your
mistakes on that side in preference. Now then, go. (_PARMENO goes with
the MUSIC-GIRL into MICIO'S house._)

SAN. What is the meaning of this? Have you the sway here, Aeschinus?

AESCH. If I had it, you should be exalted for your deserts.