University of Virginia Library

Scena, 5.

Clinias, Cleobulo.
Cle.
Well Clinias, and how d'ye like the Moor
our fellow servant?

Cli.
Why, as thou wodst
a rusty jade, wod not stir a foot for thee;
and when thou spur'st him, and puts him to't,
capers, rears an end, throws thee,
and breaks thy neck.
Uds so, we were deceiv'd in him;
we thought to put all the work of the house on him,
and we may do't our selves for ought I see,
and thank you too. You may command a poast
as well as him, and he's so sturdy too,
a poast will stir assoon as he.

Cle.
He does not understand you perhaps.

Cli.
I know not, but I'm sure
I understand him but too well:
I gave him a broom to day, and pointed him
where he should sweep,
(this now was plain enough one would imagin)
and what did he, but 'stead of sweeping, lay
me over the pate with it, and so he serv'd me
with a fire shovel another time;
he'l carry no coals I can tell you.

Cle.
Will he not?
But I'le make him, and h'ad as good eat them too
as refuse to do what I command him; such
as he like Nettles, handle them gently, and
they sting you; but you shall see how I'le handle him,
like a good Water Spaniel
I'le make him obey my beck,
& fetch & carry when I'd have him, & make him
do tricks like an Ape e're I have done with him;
& see here he comes, like your baboons & drills,
he wo'nt speak, because he will not work:
but 't shall not serve his turn.—mark.