Scene IV.

Enter Parmeno .

Par. I'm come to see what Chærea has been doing: Who, if he has but manag'd matters well, Good Heav'ns, how much, and what sincere applause Shall Parmeno acquire! - For not to mention, In an intrigue so difficult as this, Of so much probable expense at least, Since with a griping harlot he'd have bargain'd, That I've procur'd for him the girl he lov'd, Without cost, charge, or trouble; t'other point, That, that I hold my master-piece, there think I've gain'd the prize, in showing a young spark The dispositions and the ways of harlots: Which having early learn'd, he'll ever shun.

Enter Pythias behind. When they're abroad, forsooth, there's none so clean, Nothing so trim, so elegant, as they; Nor, when they sup with a gallant, so nice! To see these very creatures' gluttony, Filth, poverty, and meanness, when at home; So eager after food, that they devour From yesterday's stale broth the coarse black bread:- All this to know is safety to young men.