Ant.
The gold I gave to Dromio is laid up
Safe at the Centaur, and the heedful slave
Is wander'd forth in care to seek me out.
By computation, and mine host's report,
I could not speak with Dromio, since at first
I sent him from the mart. See here he comes. Enter Dromio of Syracuse.
How now, Sir? is your merry humour alter'd?
As you love stroaks, so jest with me again.
You know no Centaur? you receiv'd no gold?
Your mistress sent to have me home to dinner?
My house was at the Phœnix? wast thou mad,
That thus so madly thou didst answer me?

S. Dro.
What answer, Sir? when spake I such a word?

Ant.
Even now, even here, not half an hour since.

S. Dro.
I did not see you since you sent me hence
Home to the Centaur, with the gold you gave me.

Ant.
Villain, thou didst deny the gold's receipt,
And told'st me of a mistress and a dinner;
For which I hope thou felt'st I was displeas'd.

S. Dro.
I'm glad to see you in this merry vein:
What means this jest, I pray you, master, tell me?

Ant.
Yea, dost thou jeer and flout me in the teeth?
Think'st thou I jest? hold, take thou that, and that. [Beats Dro.

S. Dro.
Hold, Sir, for God's sake, now your jest is earnest;

Upon what bargain do you give it me?

Ant.
Because that I familiarly sometimes
Do use you for my fool, and chat with you,
Your sawciness will jest upon my love,
And make a common of my serious hours.
When the sun shines let foolish gnats make sport,
But creep in crannies when he hides his beams:
If you will jest with me, know my aspect,
And fashion your demeanour to my looks;
Or I will beat this method in your sconce.
But soft; who wafts us yonder?* ^note

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