ARISTIPPUS. Ah, sirrah, by’r Lady, Aristippus likes Dionysius’ court very well, Which in passing joys and pleasures doth excel. Where he hath _dapsiles cœnas, geniales lectos, et auro Fulgentem tyranni zonam_.[51] I have plied the harvest, and stroke when the iron was hot; When I spied my time, I was not squeamish to crave, God wot! But with some pleasant toy[52] I crept into the king’s bosom, For which Dionysius gave me _Auri talentum magnum_-- A large reward for so simple services. What, then? the king’s praise standeth chiefly in bountifulness: Which thing though I told the king very pleasantly, Yet can I prove it by good writers of great antiquity: But that shall not need at this time, since that I have abundantly: When I lack hereafter, I will use this point of philosophy: But now, whereas I have felt the king’s liberality, As princely as it came, I will spend it as regally: Money is current, men say, and current comes of _Currendo_: Then will I make money run, as his nature requireth, I trow. For what becomes a philosopher best, But to despise money above the rest? And yet not so despise it, but to have in store Enough to serve his own turn, and somewhat more. With sundry sports and taunts yesternight I delighted the king, That with his loud laughter the whole court did ring, And I thought he laugh’d not merrier than I, when I got this money. But, mumbudget,[53] for Carisophus I espy In haste to come hither: I must handle the knave finely. _Here entereth_ CARISOPHUS. O Carisophus, my dearest friend, my trusty companion! What news with you? where have you been so long? CARISOPHUS. My best beloved friend Aristippus, I am come at last; I have not spent all my time in waste. I have got a prey, and that a good one, I trow. ARISTIPPUS. What prey is that? fain would I know. CARISOPHUS. Such a crafty spy I have caught, I dare say, As never was in Sicilia before this day; Such a one as viewed every weak place in the city, Surviewed the haven and each bulwark in talk very witty: And yet by some words himself he did bewray. ARISTIPPUS. I think so in good faith, as you did handle him.