Act IV, Scene III

Enter EUCLIO, from his house.

EUC. (to himself). It wasn't for nothing that the raven was just now croaking on my left hand; he was both scratching the ground with his feet and croaking with his voice. At once my heart began to jump about, and to leap within my breast. But why do I delay to run? (He discovers STROBILUS, and drags him from behind the altar.) Out, out, you earthworm, who have this instant crept out of the earth; who just now were nowhere seen, and now that you are seen shall die for it. By my faith, you juggler, I'll receive you now after a disagreable fashion. (Begins to shake and beat him.)

STRO. What the curst plague does ail you? What business have you with me, old fellow? Why do you torment me? Why are you dragging me? For what reason are you beating me?

EUC. You out-and-out whipping-post, do you even ask that, you, not thief, but thrice-dotted thief.

STRO. What have I stolen from you?

EUC. Give me that back here, if you please.

STRO. What do you want me to give you back?

EUC. Do you ask me that?

STRO. As for me, I've taken nothing away from you.

EUC. But give up that which you have taken away for yourself. Are you going to do so?

STRO. Do what?

EUC. You can't carry it off.

STRO. What do you want?

EUC. Lay it down.

STRO. Troth, for my part, I think that you are in the habit of quizzing, old gentleman.

EUC. Put that down, please; cease your quibbling; I'm not trifling now.

STRO. What am I to put down? Why don't you mention it, whatever it is, by its own name? By my faith, I really have neither taken nor touched anything.

EUC. Show me your hands, here.

STRO. Well, I do show them; see, here they are. (Holding out his hands?)

EUC. I see them. Come, show me the third, as well.

STRO. (aside). Sprites, and frenzy, and madness, possess this old fellow. Are you doing me an injustice, or not?

EUC. A very great one, I confess, inasmuch as you are not strung up; and that too shall be done this moment, unless you do confess.

STRO. What am I to confess to you?

EUC. What it was you took away hence.

STRO. May the Gods confound me, if I've taken away anything of yours, (aside) and if I don't wish I had taken it away.

EUC. Come then, shake out your cloak.

STRO. At your pleasure. (Shakes it.)

EUC. You haven't it among your under-clothing?

STRO. Search where you please.

EUC. Pshaw! how civilly the rascal speaks, that I mayn't suppose he has taken it away! I know your tricks. Come, show me here again that right hand.

STRO. Here it is. (Extending it.)

EUC. Now show me your left.

STRO. Well, then, I show you both, in fact. (Extending them.)

EUC. Now I leave off searching. Give back that here.

STRO. Give back what?

EUC. Are you trifling with me? You certainly have got it.

STRO. I, got it? Got what?

EUC. I shan't say; you want to hear. Whatever you have of mine, give it back.

STRO. You are mad; you've searched me all over at your own pleasure, and yet you've found nothing of yours in my possession.

EUC. (starting). Stop, stop; who was that? Who was the other that was within here, together with yourself? Troth, I'm undone; he's now rummaging about within. If I let this one go, he'll escape. At last, I've now searched this one all over; he has got nothing. Be off where you please; Jupiter and the Gods confound you!

STRO. He returns his thanks not amiss.

EUC. I'll go in here now, and I'll at once throttle this accomplice of yours. Will you not fly hence from my sight? Will you away from here, or no?

STRO. I'm off.

EUC. Take you care, please, how I see you, (He goes into the Temple.)