_Ph._ Ere he died, thy son Sent thee a message, sir. There lives in the town hard by 870 A poor old widow woman from Corinth ... _Chr._ I know. Her daughter My son fell madly in love with, was even on the point to marry. ’Twould never have done: she was not at all the sort of woman. Tell me, sirs, when you came. _Ph._ Our ship arrived this morning; And since we sail to-night, ’twill save thee needless trouble To make thy gift to the prince my master here at once, According to Persian custom. _Chr._ Ask you for money, sir? _Ph._ That is the Persian custom. _Chr._ (_aside_). Most annoying this!— Sir, I will send it you. _Ph._ We would not trouble thee: We’ll wait, sir, while thou fetchest it. _Chr._ (_aside_). What in the world to do? These Persians have an uncommon sharp eye to the main chance: 881 I’ll try one piece of gold if ’twill content him.—Sir, Give this then to your master. _Ph._ It will not satisfy him. For he is a potentate: but I will obey thee, sir. _Pam._ TARTYS CHRIBOS! (_Puts hand on sword._) _Ph._ See, sir, he doth not like it. _Chr._ Well, I am but a poor man, but what is right I’ll do. Look! here are four more pieces, and that is all I have. And pray consider, sirs, the mournful news you bring Cannot be held of value, as joyful tidings might. (_Gives._) (_Aside._) I hope this may content them: ’tis not much. Menedemus 890 Will after all be spared the expense of a funeral. _Pam._ JOPISCO MORCA. _Ph._ Sir, he is still but ill contented. _Chr._ Then wait, sirs. I’ll go in and fetch you what I may. _Ph._ We will await thee here. _Chr._ (_aside_). I’ll go and find Menedemus. [_Exit._ _Ph._ Now let’s be off at once. _Pam._ What sport! O gods! five pounds! He never made me so handsome a present in all my life. I’ve tried all kinds of dodges to screw coin out of him, But I never could: and you’ve come round him twice to-day. I’ll arrange with you for some more adventures of this sort. _Ph._ Stay, 899 Half this is mine. _Pam._ And welcome. _Enter Menedemus at back unperceived: he watches them._ _Ph._ What made your governor Tell all those lies? _Pam._ Just like him. _Ph._ Why should he pretend To be Menedemus? _Pam._ Merely to meddle: besides no doubt He was anxious about the money we cheated him of this morning; He wishes now he was off his bargain with Gorgo.