We shall have occasion to quote him at
intervals, but desire to develop this topic quite independently.
1. Pointless badinage and padded scenes.
Strong evidence of loose construction and lack of a technical dramatic
ideal is contained in the large number of scenes padded out with pointless
badinage, often tiresome, often wholly episodical in nature, as the
monodies, and putting for a time a complete check on the plot. The most
striking of these is _Aul._ 631 ff., when Euclio, suspecting Strobilus of
the theft of his gold, pounces upon him and belabors him:
"STR. (_Howling and dancing and making violent efforts to free himself._)
What the plague has got hold of you? What have you to do with me, you
dotard? Why pick on me? Why are you grabbing me? Don't beat me! (_Succeeds
in breaking loose._)
EUC. (_Shaking stick at him._) You first-class jailbird, do you dare ask
me again? You're not a thief, but three thieves rolled into one!
STR. (_Whining and nursing bruises_) What did I steal from you?
EUC. (_Still threatening._) Give it back here, I say?
STR. (_Trembling and edging off._) What is it you want me to give back?
EUC. (_Watching him narrowly._) You ask?
STR. I tell you, I didn't take a thing from you.
EUC. (_Impatiently._) All right, but hand over what you did take!
(_Pause._) Well, well!
STR. Well, what?
EUC. You can't get away with it.
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