 | The Merchant |  |
SCENE I.
Enter LYSIMACHUS, with PASICOMPSA.LYSIMACHUS.
I've acted by my neighbour neighbourly,
And bought this piece of goods at his request.
You're mine now. (To Pas.)
Follow me:—Nay, do not weep;
You are to blame to spoil those pretty eyes,
And you shall find more cause to laugh than cry.
Pas.
Good Sir, inform me!
Lys.
Ask whate'er you please.
Pas.
What did you buy me for?
Lys.
For what?—To do
Whate'er I order you; and in return
I'll do whatever you shall order me.
Pas.
I shall in all my best obey you, Sir.
Lys.
My orders will not be extremely painful.
(Smiling.
Pas.
Indeed, Sir, I've not learnt to carry burdens,
Nor to tend cattle, nor take care of children.
Lys.
Be a good girl, and you shall be well treated.
Pas.
Then I am miserable.
Lys.
Why?
Pas.
Because
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Nor would I speak what all folks know already.
Lys.
'Fore heaven, that speech alone is well worth more
Than I paid for her.—You'd insinuate
That there is no such thing as a good woman?
Pas.
Indeed I don't say that, Sir.
Lys.
Give me leave
To ask you one thing.
Pas.
Ask it: I'll reply.
Lys.
Acquaint me with your name then.
Pas.
Pasicompsa.
Lys.
It suits your form.—But tell me, Pasicompsa,
Could you, if there were an occasion for it,
Weave a fine woof?
Pas.
I could.
Lys.
It follows then
Undoubtedly that you could weave a coarser.
Pas.
I fear no woman of my age for weaving.
Lys.
Ay, a good girl, I warrant you, and honest;
And of an age to know your duty well.
Pas.
Indeed I have been well instructed, Sir;
And will not let my work be call'd in question.
Lys.
Well, that's the very thing; you'll do, I find;
I'll give you for your own peculiar use
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Pas.
So old, Sir?
Lys.
Of the true Grecian breed, extremely fine;
And you will sheer it most incomparably.
Pas.
Whatever honour's done me, I'll be grateful.
Lys.
Now, child, to undeceive you, you're not mine.
Do not imagine it.
Pas.
Whose am I then?
Lys.
You're purchas'd for your master's use again;
And I've now ransom'd you at his request.
Pas.
Ah! I revive, if he be true to me.
Lys.
Be of good cheer! he'll give you liberty.
'Fore heaven, girl, he loves you to distraction:
You charm'd him at first sight to-day.
Pas.
To-day?
'Tis now two years that we have been connected:
For since I find you are his friend, I'll trust you.
Lys.
How! have you been two years connected?
Pas.
Ay:
And bound each other by a mutual oath,
Never to know a man or wife beside,
Or yield to an adulterous embrace.
Lys.
Good heav'n! has he no commerce with his wife?
Pas.
His wife? He is not, nor will e'er be married.
Lys.
Would he were not! He is a perjur'd man.
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I love no man on earth like that dear youth.
Lys.
A youth, you simpleton!—Not long ago
His teeth fell out.
Pas.
Whose teeth?
Lys.
No matter whose.
Follow me in: he has intreated me
To give you entertainment at our house
For one day; since my wife is out of town.
[Exeunt.
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