_Megadorus._ I’ll go to see Euclio, if he’s at home. But, ah! here comes the very man toward his own house! _Enter_ EUCLIO _Euclio_ (_to himself_). I had a presentiment that I was going out to no purpose when I left my house, and therefore I went unwillingly; for neither did any one of the wardsmen come, nor yet the master of the ward, who ought to have distributed the money. Now I’m making all haste to hasten home; for, though I myself am here, my mind’s at home. _Megadorus._ May you be well, and ever fortunate, Euclio! _Euclio._ May the gods bless you, Megadorus! _Megadorus._ How are you? Are you quite well and contented? _Euclio_ (_aside_). It isn’t for nothing when a rich man accosts a poor man courteously. Now, this fellow knows that I’ve got some gold; for that reason he salutes me more courteously. _Megadorus._ Do you say that you are well? _Euclio._ Oh, I’m not very well in the money line. _Megadorus._ But if you’ve a contented mind, you have enough for passing a happy life with. _Euclio_ (_aside_). By my faith, the old woman has made a discovery to him about the gold; it is clear she has told him. I’ll cut off her tongue, and tear out her eyes, when I get home. _Megadorus._ Why are you talking to yourself? _Euclio._ I’m lamenting my poverty. I’ve a grown-up girl without a portion, and one that can’t be disposed of in marriage; nor am I able to marry her to anybody. _Megadorus._ Hold your peace; be of good courage, Euclio; she shall have a husband; you shall be assisted by myself. If you have need of help, command me. _Euclio_ (_aside_). Now he is aiming at my property, while he’s making promises. He’s gaping for my gold, that he may devour it; in the one hand he is carrying a stone, while he shows the bread in the other. I trust no person who, rich himself, is exceedingly courteous to a poor man; when he extends his hand with a kind air, then is he loading you with some damage. I know these polyps, who, when they’ve touched a thing, hold it fast. _Megadorus._ Give me your attention, Euclio, for a little while; I wish to speak a few words to you about a common concern of yours and mine. _Euclio_ (_aside_). Alas! wo is me! My gold has been carried off from my house. Now he’s wishing for this thing, I’m sure, to come to a compromise with me; but I’ll look in my house first. (_He goes toward his door._) _Megadorus._ Where are you going? _Euclio._ I’ll return to you directly, for there’s something I must go and see to at home. (_Goes into his house._) _Megadorus._ I verily believe that when I make mention of his daughter, for him to promise her to me, he’ll suppose that I am laughing at him; for I do not know of any man poorer than he. EUCLIO _returns from his house_