 | The Miser |  |
178
SCENE V.
Enter EUNOMIA and MEGADORUS.Eun.
I'd have you think, my brother, what I say
Arises purely from my friendship for you,
And a regard for what concerns your interest,
Such as in short becomes a loving sister.
I know, we women are accounted troublesome,
Nor without reason look'd on as mere praters.
'Tis true, there never was in any age
Such a wonder to be found as a dumb woman.—
But to be serious, do but think, my brother,
That I am near to you, as you to me:
We should consult with and advise each other
In ev'ry thing we think for our advantage;
Nor should we hide from one another aught,
Or hesitate through fear about communicating
Whatever may advantage either party.
On this account I've taken you aside,
And brought you out here, to discourse with you
Upon a subject that concerns you nearly.
Meg.
Give me thy hand, thou best of women.
Eun.
Ha!
Where is she? and who is—that best of women?
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Yourself.
Eun.
What I? a pretty joke, 'faith.
Meg.
Nay,
If you deny it, I deny it too.
Eun.
You should say nothing but the truth, good brother.
Your best of women you can pick out no-where:
One is indeed worse, brother, than another.
Meg.
In troth I'm of the same opinion, sister,
Nor shall I differ with you in that point.
Eun.
Joking apart,—attend to me, I beg you.
Meg.
Use and command me, as you will.
Eun.
I'm going
T'advise you what will be most for your interest.
Meg.
'Tis your way, sister, ever.
Eun.
What will bring
Eternal satisfaction. You should have
An heir to your estate.—Heav'n grant you may!—
What say you?—In a word, my dearest brother,
I'd have you marry.
Meg.
Oh! I'm slain.
Eun.
How so!
Meg.
You've cut me to the brain by what you've said:
Oh! you speak daggers.
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Poh now, prithee do
As I advise.
Meg.
Well,—if you'll have it so.
Eun.
It is for your advantage.
Meg.
Yes, to die
Sooner than marry.—Lookye, my good sister,
If you will have me wiv'd, it shall be only
On this condition:—Let her be brought home
To-morrow, and the next day carried out.
On these terms you may marry me: I'm ready.
Eun.
I can indeed help you to one, my brother,
That's very rich; but then she is not young;
She's middle-aged. What say you? Shall I ask her
The question for you?
Meg.
Shall I ask you a question?
Eun.
Ask what you will.
Meg.
Suppose a man in years
Marry a woman, middle-ag'd we'll say,
And she is pregnant by him, can you doubt
But that the child will have the name of Posthumus?
Come, come, I'll save you any further trouble.—
Thanks to the Gods, and to my ancestors,
I'm rich enough: nor do I value power,
Pomp, honours, acclamations of the people,
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Which by their cost may bring a man to beggary.
Eun.
Tell me, who is she you would take to wife?
Meg.
I'll tell you. Do you know our poor old neighbour
Euclio?
Eun.
I know him,—a good sort of man.
Meg.
His daughter I would marry.—Nay, nay, sister,
Speak not a word,—I know what you would say,—
She has no fortune.—What of that?—I like her.
Eun.
Well then,—heav'ns prosper you!
Meg.
I hope the same.
Eun.
Any commands?
Meg.
Your servant.
Eun.
Brother, your's.
[Exit Eunomia.
Meg.
I'll go meet Euclio, if he be at home.—
But see, he's coming hither,—whence I know not.
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