_Duration of time—a few hours of one day. There is no pause in the action, and the whole may be played continuously with a formal break at the end of each act._ THE FEAST OF BACCHUS ACT · I _MENEDEMUS seen at work in his garden._ _CHREMES calling to him over the hedge._ _CHREMES._ GOOD morning, sir! good morning! (_Aside._) He does not hear me.—Sir! Good morning! (_Aside._) No: he goes on digging away for his life— Ho! Menedemus! Ho! _MENEDEMUS._ Who is it calls? _Chr._ ’Tis I. _Men._ Chremes! why, what’s the matter? _Chr._ I only said good morning. I wish you the compliments of the day. ’Tis the feast of Bacchus. _Men._ I thank you. The same to you. _Chr._ I had something to say besides, If you are at leisure. _Men._ Now? _Chr._ Yes, now. _Men._ You see I am busy: But if ’tis a matter of any importance— _Chr._ Indeed it is. _Men._ Pray step to the gate: I’ll open it for you. _Chr._ You are very good. (_Aside._) How fagged he looks! _Men._ Come in. You will not think me rude, If I ask you to tell your errand while I dig. _Chr._ Excuse me, 11 My good friend; and your spade, pray you, awhile put down. You must stop working. _Men._ No: I cannot rest a minute. _Chr._ I can’t allow it indeed. (_Taking the spade._) _Men._ Now, sir, you wrong me. _Chr._ Hey! My word! what a weight it is! _Men._ It’s not too heavy for me. _Chr._ Come! what’s all this? well take it again, but don’t refuse me A moment’s attention. _Men._ Well! _Chr._ ’Tis a matter concerns you nearly: So leave your work, and come outside, and sit on the bench, Where we may talk. _Men._ Whatever you have to say, Chremes, May be said here. _Chr._ No doubt; but better as I propose: 20 I will not detain you long. _Men._ What is it? _Chr._ Sit you down. _Men._ You have something to say. _Chr._ Not while you stand. _Men._ (_sitting_). Well, as you will. And now in as few words as may be ... I am at your service.— Explain.