in modern society. Chremylus, however, informs his friend that the report is true; at least, that he is in a fair way to become rich, but that there is, as yet, some little risk in the matter:—
If all go right, I'm a made man for ever;
But,—if we slip—we're ruined past redemption.
Blepsidemus thinks he sees the state of the case. This sudden wealth, this fear of possible disaster,—the man has robbed a temple, or something of that kind, it is evident; and he tells him so. In vain does Chremylus protest his innocence. Blepsidemus will not believe him, and regards him with pious horror:—
Alack that in this world there is no honesty,
But every man is a mere slave to pelf!
Chr. Heaven help the man!—has he gone mad on a sudden?
Bl. (looking at Chremylus, and half aside). What a sad
change from his old honest ways!
Chr. You've lost your wits, sirrah, by all that's good!
Bl. And his eyes quail—he dares not meet my look—
For damning guilt stands written in his face!
Chr. Ha! now I see! you take me for a thief,
And would go shares, then, would ye?
Bl. (eagerly). Shares? in what?
Chr. Stuff! don't be a fool! 'tis quite another matter.
Bl. (in a whisper). Not a mere larceny then, but—robbery?
Chr. (getting angry). I say, no.
Bl. (confidentially). Hark ye, old friend—for a mere trifle, look you,
I'll undertake, before this gets abroad,
To hush it up, — I'll bribe the prosecutors.
Chremylus has great difficulty in making his con-
