Merc. Didn't you know, Charon, who your passenger was? A most independent fellow, who cares for nobody. That's Menippus.
Cha. (shaking his fist at him as he moves of). Well, let me only catch you again!
Men. (looking back and laughing). Ay, if you catch me; but 'tis hardly likely, my good friend, that you'll have me for a passenger twice.
MERCURY AND CHARON SQUARING ACCOUNTS.
Mercury. Let us have a reckoning, if you please, Mr Ferryman, how much you owe me up to this present date, that we mayn't have a squabble hereafter about the items.
Charon. By all means, Mercury—nothing like being correct in such matters; it saves a world of unpleasantness.
Merc. I supplied an anchor to your order—twenty-five drachmæ.
Cha. That's very dear.
Merc. I vow to Pluto I gave five for it. And a row-lock thong—two obols.
Cha. Well, put down five drachmæ and two obols.
Merc. And a needle to mend the sail. Five obols I paid for that.
Cha. Well, put that much down too.
Merc. Then, there's the wax for caulking the seams of the boat that were open, and nails, and a rope to make halyards of,—two drachmæ altogether.
Cha. Ay; you bought those worth the money.
Merc. That's all, if I've not forgotten something in
