So Plutus goes home with his new host, and Cario is forthwith sent to call together the friends and acquaintances of his master from the neighbouring farms to rejoice with them at the arrival of this blessed guest. These form the Chorus of the comedy. They enter with dance and song, and are welcomed heartily by Chremylus, with some apology for taking them away from their business,--but the occasion is exceptional. They protest against any apology being required. If they can bear the crush and wrangle of the law-courts, day after day, for their poor dole of threepence as jurymen, they are not going to let Plutus slip through their hands for a trifle. Following more leisurely in the rear of the common rush,--perhaps as a person of more importance,--comes in a neighbour, Blepsidemus, whose name and character is something equivalent to that of “Mr Facing-both-ways” in Bunyan’s allegory. He has heard that Chremylus has become suddenly rich, and is most of all surprised that in such an event he should think of sending for his old friends,--a very unusual proceeding, as he observes, in modern society. Chremylus, however, informs his friend that the report is true; at least, that he is in a fair way to become rich, but that there is, as yet, some little risk in the matter:-- If all go right, I’m a made man for ever; But,--if we slip--we’re ruined past redemption. Blepsidemus thinks he sees the state of the case. This sudden wealth, this fear of possible disaster,--the man has robbed a temple, or something of that kind, it is evident; and he tells him so. In vain does Chremylus protest his innocence. Blepsidemus will not believe him, and regards him with pious horror:-- Alack! that in this world there is no honesty, But every man is a mere slave to pelf! _Chr._ Heaven help the man!--has he gone mad on a sudden? _Bl._ (_looking at Chremylus, and half aside_). What a sad change from his old honest ways! _Chr._ You’ve lost your wits, sirrah, by all that’s good! _Bl._ And his eyes quail--he dares not meet my look-- For damning guilt stands written in his face! _Chr._ Ha! now I see! you take me for a thief, And would go shares, then, would ye? _Bl._ (_eagerly_). Shares? in what? _Chr._ Stuff! don’t be a fool! ’tis quite another matter. _Bl._ (_in a whisper_). Not a mere larceny then, but--robbery? _Chr._ (_getting angry_). I say, no. _Bl._ (_confidentially_). Hark ye, old friend--for a mere trifle, look you, I’ll undertake, before this gets abroad, To hush it up,--I’ll bribe the prosecutors.