Poverty
Well, let us discuss this point first. I propose to show that I am the sole cause of all your blessings,
[470]
and that your safety depends on me alone. If I don't succeed, then do what you like to me.
Chremylus
How dare you talk like this, you impudent hussy?
Poverty
Agree to hear me and I think it will be very easy for me to prove that you are entirely on the wrong road,
[475]
when you want to make the just men wealthy.
Blepsidemus
Oh! cudgel and rope's end, come to my help!
Poverty
Why such wrath and these shouts, before you hear my arguments?
Blepsidemus
But who could listen to such words without exclaiming?
Poverty
Any man of sense.
Chremylus
[480]
But if you lose your case, what punishment will you submit to?
Poverty
Choose what you will.
Chremylus
That's all right.
Poverty
You shall suffer the same if you are beaten!
Chremylus
Do you think twenty deaths a sufficiently large stake?
Blepsidemus
Good enough for her, but for us two would suffice.
Poverty
[485]
You won't escape, for is there indeed a single valid argument to oppose me with?