TRA. (_to himself_). The man that shall prove timid in critical matters, will not be worth a nutshell. And, really, to say what that expression, "worth a nutshell," means, I don't know. But after my master sent me into the country to fetch his son hither, I went that way (_pointing_) slily through the lane to our garden. At the entrance to the garden that's in the lane, I opened the door; and by that road I led out all the troop, both men and women. After, from being in a state of siege, I had led out my troops to a place of safety, I adopted the plan of convoking a senate of my comrades, and when I had convoked it, they forthwith banished me from the senate. When I myself perceived that the matter must be decided by my own judgment, as soon as ever I could, I did the same as many others do, whose affairs are in a critical or a perplexed state; they proceed to render them more perplexed, so that nothing can be settled. But I know full well, that now by no means can this be concealed from the old man. But how's this, that our next neighbour's door makes a noise? Why, surely this is my master: I'd like to have a taste of his talk. (_Goes aside, out of sight of_ THEUROPIDES.) _Enter_ THEUROPIDES, _from_ SIMO'S _house._ THEU. (_in the doorway, speaking to_ SIMO'S SLAVES). Do you stand there, in that spot within the threshold; so that, the very instant I call, you may sally forth at once. Quickly fasten the handcuffs _upon him_. I'll wait before the house for this fellow that makes a fool of me, whose hide I'll make a fool of in fine style, if I live. TRA. (_apart_). The affair's all out. Now it's best for you, Tranio, to consider what you are to do. THEU. (_to himself_). I must go to work to catch him cleverly and artfully when he comes here. I'll not disclose to him my feelings all at once; I'll throw out my line; I'll conceal the fact that I know anything of these matters. TRA. (_apart_). O cunning mortal! not another person in Athens can be pronounced more clever than he. One can no more this day deceive him than _he can_ a stone. I'll accost the man; I'll address him. THEU. (_to himself_). Now I do wish that he would come here. TRA. (_apart_). I' faith, if me indeed you want, here I am ready at hand for you. (_Comes forward._) THEU. Bravo! Tranio, what's being done? TRA. The country people are coming from the country: Philolaches will be here in a moment. THEU. I' faith, he comes opportunely for me. This neighbour of ours I take to be a shameless and dishonest fellow. TRA. Why so? THEU. Inasmuch as he denies that he knows you. TRA. Denies it? THEU. _And declares_ that you never gave him a single coin of money. TRA. Out with you, you are joking me, I do believe; he doesn't deny it. THEU. How so? TRA. I am sure now that you are joking; for surely he doesn't deny it. THEU. Nay but, upon my faith, he really does deny it; or that he has sold this house to Philolaches.