Aur. Nay, put on, put on again, sweet sir; why should you be uncovered before the fop your master, the wretched wight, the mortal of a grovelling soul?

Ben. Ay, sir, you may make bold with yourself at your own pleasure:  But, for all that, a little bidding would make me take your counsel, and be covered, as affairs go now.

Aur. If it be lawful for a man of a debased understanding to confer with such an exalted wit, pray what was that glorious achievement, which wrapt you into such an ecstasy?

Ben. ’Tis a sign you know well how matters go, by your asking me so impertinent a question.

Aur. [Putting off his hat to him.] Sir, I beg of you, as your most humble master, to be satisfied.

Ben. Your servant, sir; at present I am not at leisure for conference.  But hark you, sir, by the way of friendly advice, one word:  Henceforward, tell me no more of the adventure of the garden, nor of the great looking-glass.

Aur. You mean the mirror.

Ben. Yes, the mirror; tell me no more of that, except you could behold in it a better, a more discreet, or a more able face for stratagem, than I can, when I look there.

Aur. But, to the business; What is this famous enterprise?

Ben. Be satisfied, without troubling me farther, the business is done, the rogues are defeated, and your mistress is secured:  If you would know more, demand it of that criminal [Pointing to FRON.], and ask her, how she dares appear before you, after such a signal treachery, or before me, after such an overthrow?

Fron. I know nothing, but only that, by your master’s order, I was to receive the two ladies into my house, and you prevented it.

Ben. By my master’s order?  I’ll never believe it.  This is your stratagem, to free yourself, and deprive me of my reward.

Cam. I’ll witness what she says is true.

Ben. I am deaf to all asseverations, that make against my honour.

Aur. I’ll swear it then.  We two were the two rogues, and you the discoverer of our villany.

Ben. Then, woe, woe, to poor Benito!  I find my abundance of wit has ruined me.

Aur. But come a little nearer:  I would not receive a good office from a servant, but I would reward him for his diligence.

Ben. Virtue, sir, is its own reward:  I expect none from you.

Aur. Since it is so, sir, you shall lose no further time in my service:  Henceforward, pray know me for your humble servant; for your master I am resolved to be no longer.

Ben. Nay, rather than so, sir, I beseech you let a good, honest, sufficient beating atone the difference.

Aur. ’Tis in vain.

Ben. I am loth to leave you without a guide.

Aur. He’s at it again! do you hear, Camillo?