Act V, Scene IV

Enter STROBILUS, at a distance.

STRO. (to himself). Immortal Gods, with what and how great delights do you present me! I've got a four pound pot filled with gold; who there is richer than I? What man is there greater than I at Athens now; any one, I mean, to whom the Gods are propitious?

LYC. (to himself). Why, surely, I seemed just now to hear the voice of some one speaking here.

STRO. (to himself). Ha! do I not see my master?

LYC. (to himself). Do I see Strobilus now, my servant?

STRO. (to himself). 'Tis he himself.

LYC. (to himself). 'Tis no other.

STRO. (to himself). I'll accost him.

LYC. (to himself). I'll step out towards him. I do think that he has been, as I requested him, to the old woman, the nurse herself of this damsel.

STRO. (to himself). Why don't I tell him that I've found this prize, and speak out? For that reason, I'll beg of him to make me free. I'll go and speak to him. (Addressing him.) I've found

LYC. What have you found?

STRO. Not that which the boys cry out that they've found in the bean.

LYC. And are you trifling with me then, as you are in the habit of doing? (He turns as if to go away.)

STRO. Master, stop; I'll speak out then; do listen.

LYC. Come then, tell me.

STRO. I've found to-day, master, very great riches.

LYC. Where, pray?

STRO. A four pound pot, I say, full of gold!

LYC. What crime is this that I hear of from you?

STRO. I've stolen it from this old fellow, Euclio.

LYC. Where is this gold?

STRO. In my box at home; I now wish to be made free.

LYC. I, make you free, you fellow, brimful of wickedness?

STRO. Out upon you, master, I know what you would be at. Troth, I've cleverly tried your inclination; you were just getting ready to take it away from me; what would you do, if I had found it?

LYC. You can't make good your pretences. Come, give up the gold!

STRO. I, give up the gold?

LYC. Give it up, I say, that it may be given back to him.

STRO. Where am I to get it from?

LYC. That which you confessed just now to be in your box.

STRO. I' faith, I'm in the habit of talking nonsense; 'twas in that way I was speaking.

LYC. (seizing him). But do you know what?

STRO. Even kill me outright, i' faith, you never shall get it hence of me * * * *