University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

TRANIO, THEUROPIDES, [in the inside of the house.]
Tra.
What think you of the bargain now?—

Theu.
Quite pleas'd—

Tra.
Do you think it dear?—

Theu.
I think, I never saw
A house so thrown away—

Tra.
You're pleas'd with it?

Theu.
Pleas'd, say you? Ay, by Hercules! much pleas'd—

Tra.
What women's rooms are here! and what a portico!

Theu.
Exceeding good—I do not think there's larger
Among the publick buildings—

Tra.
I, and Philolaches
Overlook'd all the portico's.

Theu.
And, well!—

Tra.
This is the largest.

Theu.
Gods! a pretty bargain!
If any one would offer six great talents,
And ready money too, I would not take them.

Tra.
And if you would, I would not give you leave.

Theu.
'Tis money well laid out on this same purchase.

Tra.
Then boldly say, that I was the adviser:
Say, Tranio press'd it—Say, he urg'd it on,
To take up money of the banker; and
To advance this earnest—

Theu.
You have sav'd the ship.
The debt, you say, is eighty minæ—

Tra.
Just.

Theu.
Then let him have't to-day—

Tra.
That's right—for then
There can be no dispute—Give me the money,
And I will give it him—

Theu.
But if I trust
You with it, take good heed—No quirk, no cavil—

Tra.
And do you think, I'd dare to play on you
By word or deed?—

Theu.
And do you think I dare
Be off my guard, if I should trust you thus?

Tra.
Me, that has ne'er deceiv'd you, since you had me!

Theu.
Thanks to my caution tho'—So much I owe
To my own judgement—If I can but now
Look after you, I shall be wise enough—

Tra.
I am of your opinion there—

[apart.
Theu.
Away.
Go now into the country—Tell my son,
That I'm come home—

Tra.
I'll do as you would have me.

Theu.
Hast then, and bring him up to town with you.

Tra.
It shall be done— [Exit Theu.]
Now, to my merry lads
By this back-door, with my good news; that all
Is snug; and our old gentleman gone off.—