28–29
Cock
That must not be. I have my instructions from Hermes, and if my feather is put to any such purpose, I am to call out and expose the offender.
Micyllus
Hermes, of all people, grudge a man a little thievery? I'll not believe it of him. However, let us start; I promise not to touch the gold ... if I can help it.
Cock
You must pluck out the feather first. ... What’s this? You have taken both!
10
Micyllus
Better to be on the safe side. And it would look so bad to have one half of your tail gone and not the other.
Cock
Well. Where shall we go first?. To Simon’s?
Micyllus
Yes, yes, Simon first. Simonides it is, nowadays; two syllables is not enough for him since he has come into money. ... Here we are; what do I do next?
Cock
Apply the feather to the bolt.
Micyllus
So. Heracles! it might be a key; the door flies open.
Cock
Walk in; you go first. Do you see him? He is sitting up over his accounts.
5
Micyllus
See him! I should think I did. What a light! That lamp wants a drink. And what makes Simon so pale? He is shrivelled up to nothing. That comes of his worries; there is nothing else the matter with him, that I have heard of.
Cock
Listen, and you will understand.
