THEU. Who is this? What is he asking for? Why is he thus rudely speaking of my son Philolaches in this way, and giving you abuse to your face? What's owing him? TRA. (_to_ THEUROPIDES). I beg of you, do order the money to be thrown in the face of this dirty brute. THEU. I, order it? TRA. Order the fellow's face to be pelted with money. BAN. (_coming nearer_). I could very well put up with a pelting with money. THEU. (_to_ TRANIO). What money's this? TRA. Philolaches owes this person a little. THEU. How much? TRA. About forty minae. BAN. (_to_ THEUROPIDES). Really, don't think much of that; it's a trifle, in fact. TRA. Don't you hear him? Troth now, prithee, doesn't he seem just suited to be a Banker--a generation that's most roguish? THEU. I don't care, just now, for that, who he is _or_ whence he is; this I want to be told me, this I very much wish to know--I heard from him that there was interest owing on the money as well. TRA. Forty-four minae are due to him. Say that you'll pay it, that he may be off. THEU. I, say that I'll pay it? TRA. Do say so. THEU. What, I? TRA. You yourself. Do only say so. Do be guided by me. Do promise. Come now, I say; I beg of you. THEU. Answer me; what has been done with this money? TRA. It's safe. THEU. Pay it yourselves then, if it's safe. TRA. Your son has bought a house. THEU. A house? TRA. A house. THEU. Bravo! Philolaches is taking after his father! The fellow now turns to merchandize. A house, say you? TRA. A house, I tell you. But do you know of what sort? THEU. How can I know? TRA. Out with you! THEU. What's the matter? TRA. Don't ask me _that_. THEU. But why so? TRA. Bright as a mirror, pure brilliancy _itself_. THEU. Excellently done, upon my faith! Well, how much did he agree to give for it? TRA. As many great talents as you and I _put together_ make; but these forty minae he paid by way of earnest. (_Pointing to the_ BANKER.) From him he received what we paid the other man. Do you quite understand? [8] For after this house was in such a state as I mentioned to you, he at once purchased another house for himself. THEU. Excellently done, upon my faith! BAN. (_touching_ TRANIO). Hark _you_. Mid-day is now close at hand. TRA. Prithee, do dismiss this puking fellow, that he mayn't worry us to death. Forty-four minae are due to him, both principal and interest. BAN. 'Tis just that much; I ask for nothing more. TRA. Upon my faith, I really could have wished that you had asked more, _if only_ by a single coin. THEU. (_to the_ BANKER). Young man, transact the business with me. BAN. I'm to ask it of you, you mean? THEU. Come for it to-morrow. BAN. I'll be off, _then_; I'm quite satisfied if I get it tomorrow. (_Exit_ TRA. (_aside_). A plague may all the Gods and Goddesses send upon him! so utterly has he disarranged my plans. On my word, no class of men is there more disgusting, or less _acquainted_ with fair dealing than the banking _race_.