Scene III
Micio alone.
Though what he says be not entirely true,
There’s something in it, and it touches me.
But I dissembled my concern with him,
Because the nature of the man is such,
To pacify, I must oppose and thwart him;
And even thus I scarce can teach him patience.
But were I to inflame, or aid his anger,
I were as great a madman as himself.
Yet Æschinus, ’tis true, has been to blame.
What wench is there but he is her gallant?
Or tempts her with some gift?—But lately too
What wench is there he has not lov’d? to whom
He has not made some present—And but lately
(Tir’d, I suppose, and sick of wantonness)
He told me he propos’d to take a wife.
I hop’d the heyday of the blood was over,
And was rejoic’d: but his intemperance
Breaks out afresh.—Well, be it what it may,
I’ll find him out; and know it instantly,
If he is to be met with at the Forum.
Exit.