_Euclio._ So be it. (_Starts and looks about._) But, oh, Jupiter, am I not utterly undone? _Megadorus._ What’s the matter with you? _Euclio._ What was it sounded just now as though it were iron? _Megadorus._ I ordered them to dig up the garden at my place. (EUCLIO _runs off into his house._) But where has this man gone? He’s off, and he hasn’t fully answered me; he treats me with contempt. Because he sees that I wish for his friendship, he acts after the usual manner of mankind. For if a wealthy person goes to ask a favor of a poorer one, the poor man is afraid to treat with him; through suspicion he hurts his own interest. The same person, when this opportunity is lost, afterward wishes for it too late. _Euclio_ (_coming out of the house, addressing servant within_). By the powers, if I don’t give you up to have your tongue cut out by the roots, I order and I authorize you to hand me over to any one you please, to be mutilated. _Megadorus._ By my troth, Euclio, I perceive that you consider me a fit man for you to make sport of in my old age, for no fault of my own. _Euclio._ I’ faith, Megadorus, I am not doing so, nor should I desire it were I able to. _Megadorus._ Well, then, do you betroth your daughter to me? _Euclio._ On those terms, and with that portion which I mentioned to you. _Megadorus._ Do you promise her, then? _Euclio._ I do promise her. _Megadorus._ May the gods bestow their blessings on it! _Euclio._ May the gods do so! Observe and remember that we’ve agreed, that my daughter is not to bring you any portion. _Megadorus._ I remember it. _Euclio._ But I understand in what fashion people are wont to equivocate; an agreement is no agreement, no agreement is an agreement--just as it pleases you. _Megadorus._ I’ll have no misunderstanding with you. But what reason is there why we shouldn’t have the nuptials this day? _Euclio._ Why, by my troth, there is very good reason why we should. _Megadorus._ I’ll go, then, and prepare matters. Do you want me for anything more? _Euclio._ All is settled. Farewell. _Megadorus_ (_going to the door of his house and calling out_). Hullo! Strobilus, follow me quickly to the meat-market. (_Exit_ MEGADORUS.) _Euclio._ He has gone. Immortal gods, I do beseech you! How powerful is gold! I do believe, now, that he has had some intimation that I’ve got a treasure at home. He’s gaping for that; for the sake of that has he persisted in this alliance! --_The Pot of Gold._ TERENCE _PARASITES AND GNATHONITES_