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Plautus, Titus Maccius, 254 BC-184 BC

"The Captiva and the Mostellaria"

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_.
THEU. In what neighbourhood did my son buy this house?
TRA. (_aside_). Just see that, now! I'm undone!
THEU. Are you going to tell me that which I ask you?
TRA. I'll tell you; but I'm thinking what was the name of the owner.


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