DULCITIUS. Ushers, admit me at once. I have important business with the
Emperor.
USHERS. Who is this fearsome, horrid monster? Coming here in these
filthy rags! Come, let us beat him and throw him down the steps. Stop
him from coming further.
DULCITIUS. Ye gods, what has happened to me? Am I not dressed in my
best? Am I not clean and fine in my person? And yet everyone who meets
me expresses disgust at the sight of me and treats me as if I were some
foul monster! I will go to my wife. She will tell me the truth. But here
she comes. Her looks are wild, her hair unbound, and all her household
follow her weeping.