ENTER THE COMPANY’S PROPERTY MANAGER

MANAGER: (looking after Curculio) My word! A splendid stroke of Phaedromus’s, hitting on this splendid swindler! I hardly know whether to call him more sharp or sharper. The costumes I hired out are gone for good, I fear me. To be sure, I had no dealings with him; I trusted them to Phaedromus himself. However, I shall keep my eyes open. Well, till he comes out, I will show you where you can readily find men of every variety, so that no one will have to labour too laboriously if he wishes to meet anyone vicious or virtuous, worthy or worthless. In case you wish to meet a perjurer, go to the Comitium; for a liar and braggart, try the temple of Venus Cloacina; for wealthy married wasters, the Basilica. There too will be harlots, well-ripened ones, and men ready for a bargain, while at the fish-market are the members of eating clubs. In the lower forum citizens of repute and wealth stroll about; in the middle forum, near the Canal, there you find the merely showy set. Above the Lake are those brazen, garrulous, spiteful fellows who boldly decry other people without reason and are open to plenty of truthful criticism themselves. Below the Old Shops are those who lend and borrow upon usury. Behind the temple of Castor are those whom you would do ill to trust too quickly. In the Tuscan Quarter are those worthies who sell themselves–either those who turn themselves or give others a chance to turn. (listening) But there! a noise at the door! I must rein in my tongue.

[ EXIT Manager ]