1–2
Cnemon
I had been speculating on the death of Hermolaus, the millionaire. He had no children, and my attentions had been well received by him. I thought it would be a good idea to let him know that I had made my will in his favour, on the chance of its exciting his emulation.
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Damasias
Yes; and Hermolaus?
Cnemon
What his will was, I don’t know. I died suddenly,— the roof came down about my ears; and now Hermolaus is my heir The pike has swallowed hook and bait.
Damasias
And your anglership into the bargain. The pit that you digged for other....
Cnemon
That’s about the truth of the matter, confound it.
Simylus
So here you are at last, Polystratus; you must be something very like a centenarian.
Polystratus
Ninety-eight.
Simylus
And what sort of a life have you had of it, these thirty years? you were about seventy when I died.
Polystratus
Delightful, though you may find it hard to believe.
Simylus
It ¢s surprising that you could have any joy of your life— old, weak, and childless, moreover.
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Polystratus
In the first place, I could do just what I liked; there were still plenty of handsome boys and dainty women; perfumes were sweet, wine kept its bouquet, Sicilian feasts were nothing to mine,
Simylus
This is a change, to be sure; you were very economical in my day.
Polystratus
Ah, but, my simple friend, these good things were presents—came in streams. From dawn my doors were thronged with visitors, and in the day it was a procession of the fairest gifts of earth.
Simylus
Why, you must have seized the crown after my death.
Polystratus
Oh no, it was only that I inspired a number of tender passions,
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