_Amph._ Braved by my slave, dishonoured by my wife! To what a desperate plunge am I reduced, If this be true the villain says?--But why That feeble _if_! It must be true; she owns it. Now, whether to conceal, or blaze the affront? One way, I spread my infamy abroad; And t'other, hide a burning coal within, That preys upon my vitals: I can fix On nothing, but on vengeance. _Enter_ SOSIA, POLIDAS, GRIPUS, _and_ TRANIO. _Grip._ Yonder he is, walking hastily to and fro before his door, like a citizen clapping his sides before his shop in a frosty morning; 'tis to catch a stomach, I believe. _Sos._ I begin to be afraid, that he has more stomach to my sides and shoulders, than to his own victuals. How he shakes his head, and stamps, and what strides he fetches! He's in one of his damned moods again; I don't like the looks of him. _Amph._ Oh, my mannerly, fair-spoken, obedient slave, are you there! I can reach you now without climbing: Now we shall try who's drunk, and who's sober. _Sos._ Why this is as it should be: I was somewhat suspicious that you were in a pestilent humour. Yes, we will have a crash at the bottle, when your lordship pleases; I have summoned them, you see, and they are notable topers, especially judge Gripus. _Grip._ Yes, faith; I never refuse my glass in a good quarrel. _Amph._ [_To_ SOS.] Why, thou insolent villain! I'll teach a slave how to use his master thus. _Sos._ Here's a fine business towards! I am sure I ran as fast as ever my legs could carry me, to call them; nay, you may trust my diligence in all affairs belonging to the belly. _Grip._ He has been very faithful to his commission. I'll bear him witness. _Amph._ How can you be witness, where you were not present?--The balcony, sirrah! the balcony! _Sos._ Why, to my best remembrance, you never invited the balcony. _Amph._ What nonsense dost thou plead, for an excuse of thy foul language, and thy base replies! _Sos._ You fright a man out of his senses first, and blame him afterwards for talking nonsense! But it is better for me to talk nonsense, than for some to do nonsense; I will say that, whate'er comes on't. Pray, sir, let all things be done decently: what, I hope, when a man is to be hanged, he is not trussed upon the gallows, like a dumb dog, without telling him wherefore. _Amph._ By your pardon, gentlemen; I have no longer patience to forbear him. _Sos._ Justice, justice!--My Lord Gripus, as you are a true magistrate, protect me. Here's a process of beating going forward, without sentence given. _Grip._ My Lord Amphitryon, this must not be; let me first understand the demerits of the criminal. _Sos._ Hold you to that point, I beseech your honour, as you commiserate the case of a poor, innocent malefactor.