Scene III

Enter Demipho and Nausistrata.

Dem. Come then, Nausistrata, afford us now

A little of your usual art, and try

To put this woman in good humor with us;

That what is done she may do willingly.

Naus. I will.

Dem. And now assist us with your counsel,

As with your cash a little while ago.

Naus. With all my heart: and I am only sorry

That ’tis my husband’s fault I can’t do more.

Dem. How so?

Naus. Because he takes such little care

Of the estate my father nurs’d so well:

For from these very farms he never fail’d

To draw two talents by the year. But ah!

What difference between man and man!

Dem. Two talents?

Naus. Aye—in worse times than these—and yet two talents?

Dem. Huy!

Naus. What, are you surpris’d?

Dem. Prodigiously.

Naus. Would I had been a man! I’d show——

Dem. No doubt.

Naus. —By what means——

Dem. Nay, but spare yourself a little

For the encounter with the girl: lest she,

Flippant and young, may weary you too much.

Naus. —Well, I’ll obey your orders: but I see

My husband coming forth.