_Harper_ What wench is there he has not lov'd? to whom He has not made some present--And but lately _Colman 1768_ What wench is there but he is her gallant? Or tempts her with some gift?--But lately too] ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. _Enter AESCHINUS, SANNIO, PARMENO, the _Music-Girl_, and a crowd of People._ SAN. Help, help, dear countrymen, for Heaven's sake! Assist a miserable, harmless man! Help the distress'd! AESCH. (_to the Girl_). Fear nothing: stand just there! Why d'ye look back? you're in no danger. Never, While I am by, shall he lay hands upon you. SAN. Aye, but I will, in spite of all the world. AESCH. Rogue as he is, he'll scarce do any thing To make me cudgel him again to-day. SAN. One word, Sir AEschinus! that you may not Pretend to ignorance of my profession; I'm a procurer. AESCH. True. SAN. And in my way Of as good faith as any man alive. Hereafter, to absolve yourself, you'll cry, That you repent of having wrong'd me thus. I sha'n't care _that_ for your excuse. (_Snapping his fingers._) Be sure I'll prosecute my right; nor shall fine words Atone for evil deeds. I know your way, --"I'm sorry that I did it: and I'll swear You are unworthy of this injury"---- Though all the while I'm us'd most scurvily. AESCH. (_to PAR._) Do you go forward, Parmeno, and throw The door wide open. SAN. That sha'n't signify. AESCH. (_to PARMENO_). Now in with her! SAN. (_stepping between_). I'll not allow it. AESCH. (_to PARMENO_). Here! Come hither, Parmeno!--you're too far off.---- Stand close to that pimp's side--There--there--just there! And now be sure you always keep your eyes Steadfastly fix'd on mine; and when I wink, To drive your fist directly in his face. SAN. Aye, if he dare. AESCH. (_to PARMENO_). Now mind!-- (_To SANNIO_). Let go the girl (_SANNIO still struggling with the Girl, AESCHINUS winks, and PARMENO strikes SANNIO_). SAN. Oh monstrous! AESCH. He shall double it, unless You mend your manners. (_PARMENO strikes SANNIO again._) SAN. Help, help: murder, murder! AESCH. (_to PARMENO_). I did not wink: but you had better err That way than t'other.--Now go in with her. (_PARMENO leads the Girl into MICIO'S house._) SAN. How's this?--Do you reign king here, AEschinus? AESCH. Did I reign king, you should be recompens'd According to your virtues, I assure you. SAN. What business have you with me? AESCH. None. SAN. D'ye know Who I am, AEschinus? AESCH. Nor want to know. SAN. Have I touch'd aught of yours, Sir? AESCH. If you had, You should have suffer'd for't. SAN. What greater right Have you to take away my slave, for whom I paid my money? answer me! AESCH. 'Twere best You'd leave off bellowing before our door: If you continue to be troublesome, I'll have you dragg'd into the house, and there Lash'd without mercy. SAN. How, a freeman lash'd! AESCH. Ev'n so. SAN. O monstrous tyranny! Is this, Is this the liberty they boast of here, Common to all?