Act IV, Scene I

Enter, from her house, the Wife of Menaechmus of Epidamnus, followed by Peniculus.

Wife. And shall I allow myself to remain in wedlock here, when my husband secretly pilfers whatever's in the house, and carries it thence off to his mistress?

Pen. Why don't you hold your peace? I'll let you now catch him in the fact; do you only follow me this way. (They go to the opposite side of the stage.) In a state of drunkenness, with a chaplet on, he was carrying the mantle to the embroiderer's, which he purloined from you at home to-day. But see, here is the chaplet which he had on. (Seeing the chaplet on the ground.) Now am I saying false? Aha, this way has he gone, if you wish to trace his footsteps. And, by my faith, see, here he comes on his way back most opportunely, but he isn't wearing the mantle.

Wife. What now shall I do to him?

Pen. The same as usual; abuse him.

Wife. So I am resolved. Pen. Let's step aside this way watch him from ambush. (They retire on one side.)