Act IV, Scene III

Enter Erotium, from her house.

Ero. Who's enquiring for me here?

Men. One that's more of an enemy to his own self than to yourself.

Ero. My dear Menaechmus? Why are you standing before the house? Do follow me in-doors.

Men. Stop. Do you know why it is that I'm come to you?

Ero. I know well; that you may amuse yourself with me.

Men. Why no, troth, that mantle which I gave you a while since, give it me back, I entreat you; my wife has become acquainted with all the transaction, in its order, just as it happened. I'll procure for you a mantle of twofold greater value than you shall wish.

Ero. Why, I gave it your own self a little while since, that you might take it to the embroiderer's, and that bracelet, too, that you might take it to the goldsmith's that it might be made anew.

Men. You, gave me the mantle and the bracelet? You'll find 'twas never done. For, indeed, after I gave it you awhile ago, and went away to the Forum, I'm but just returning, and now see you for the first time since.

Ero. I see what plan you are upon; that you may defraud me of what I entrusted to you, at that thing you are aiming

Men. On my word, I do not ask it for the sake of defrauding you. But I tell you that my wife has discovered the matter.

Ero. Nor did I of my own accord beg you to give it me; of your own accord you yourself brought it me. You gave it me as a present; now you're asking for the same thing back again. I'll put up with it; keep it to yourself; take it away; make use of it, either yourself or your wife, or squeeze it into your money-box even. After this day, that you mayn't be deceived, you shan't set your foot in this house, since you hold me in contempt, who deserve so well of you. Unless you bring money, you'll be disappointed; you can't cajole me. Find some other woman, henceforth, for you to be disappointing.

Men. By my troth, very angry at last. Hallo! you; stay, I bid you. Come you back. Will you stay now? Will you even for my sake come back? (Erotium goes into her house, and shuts the door.) She has gone in-doors, and shut the house. Now I'm regularly barred out; I have neither any credit at home now, nor with my mistress. I'll go and consult my friends on this matter, as to what they think should be done. (Exit.