Perde 4
[Textpart 2]
he is a friend of mine.
895
CHARMIDES
I have now caught him in the fact; he says that I gave him the letters. I will have some fine sport with the fellow.
895
A SHARPER.
As I have begun, if you will give attention, I will say on.
CHARMIDES
I’ll give you my attention.
A SHARPER.
He bade me give this letter to his son, Lesbonicus, and this other one, as well, he bade me give to his friend Callicles.
CHARMIDES
Troth, but since he is acting the impostor, I, on the other hand, have an inclination to act the cheat as well. Where was he himself?
900
A SHARPER.
He was carrying on his business prosperously.
CHARMIDES
And did you receive these from himself?
A SHARPER.
With his own hands he himself delivered them into my hands.
CHARMIDES
Of what appearance is this person?
A SHARPER.
He is a person somewhere about half a foot taller than you.
CHARMIDES
This is an odd matter, if in fact I am taller when absent than when present.
Do you know this person?
905
A SHARPER.
You are asking me a ridiculous question; together with him I was in the habit of taking my meals.
905
CHARMIDES
What is his name?
A SHARPER.
One, i’ faith, that belongs to an honorable man.
CHARMIDES
I would like to hear it.
A SHARPER.
Troth, his name (hesitating)—his—his— (Aside.) Woe to unfortunate me.
