 | The Parasite |  |
SCENE II.
Enter CURCULIO, leading in PLANESIUM, LYCO and CAPPADOX.Cur.
Maiden, go on before—For what's behind me
I can't observe. Her jewels and her cloaths,
The captain said, and every thing she had,
Were his.
Cap.
Why, who denies it?
Cur.
Not amiss
I should remind you tho'.
Lyc.
Remember too
Your promise, that if any one lay claim
To her as free, the money be return'd,
The thirty minæ.
Cap.
As to that be easy:
I shall remember it—and now repeat it.
Cur.
I'd have you to remember the same thing.
[to Cappadox.
Cap.
I do: and give you warrant for't—
Cur.
What warrant.
From a procurer? You're a set of people
Who nothing have but one poor tongue, on oath
What's trusted to them to deny! Some slaves
You sell, to others give their liberty.
Some you command; and none of these your property.
No man will give security for you,
164
The race of pandars are, in my opinion,
Such, among men, as flies, gnats, lice and fleas,
Teazing, and mischievous, and troublesome,
But good to none. Nor dares an honest man
Be seen with them in publick—If he shou'd,
He is despis'd and blam'd, and spit upon:
If ne'er so innocent, they cry him down,
As cheated of his fortune and his fame.
Lyc.
Methinks, my witty blinkard seems to know them!
Cur.
Nay, nay, by Hercules! I place you bankers
In the same rank. You're like them perfectly.
They sell themselves in private, you i'th'Forum.
You ruin men with usury, and they
With their bad counsel and debauchery.
How many statutes have the people ask'd
Against you bankers, which when made, you've broke?
Some hole is always found, where to creep out.
As boiling water soon grows cold, you thus
Judge of the laws.
Lyc.
Better I'd held my tongue.
Cap.
You have been studying it, and are sharp upon us.
165
If I reflect on him, who don't deserve it,
I own it evil speaking.—If he does,
I think 'tis speaking well—Your warranty
I ne'er shall take, nor any other pandar's—
Would you ought else with me?
[to Lyco.
Lyco.
Nought but farewel.
Cur.
The same to you.
Cap.
Hark you! to you I speak.
[to Curculio.
Cur.
Say what you'd have.
Cap.
I prithee, take good care
Of this young woman, that no ill betide her.
I've brought her up in my own family
With modesty and care.
Cur.
If so concern'd,
What will you give me to take care of her?
Cap.
The gibbet.
Cur.
That's what you yourself deserve.
Cap.
[to Plan.]
Why do you weep, you simpleton? fear not:
I've sold you well, by Hercules! Take care
You shew yourself a good and modest girl.
Now fairly go along with him, my fair one.
Lyc.
Well, Nimwell, any more commands with me?
Cur.
Farewell, and health attend you. You've most kindly
Giv'n me at once your money, and your pains.
Lyc.
My greetings to my patron.
166
I'll not fail.
[Exit with Plan.
Lyc.
Procurer, would you ought?
Cap.
I should be glad
To have those minæ that are left; they'd be
Of service to me, till my own affairs
Are in a better posture.
Lyc.
You shall have them.
Ask them of me to-morrow.
[Exit.
Cap.
As the affair
Is so well over, I'll into the temple,
And return thanks. I purchas'd her a girl,
And at ten minæ only, long ago;
And him, who sold her, ne'er set eyes on since.
He may be dead—but what is that to me?
I have the money.—Who to the gods is dear,
Him they indulge with gain. I now will haste
To my devotions—and take care of one.
[Exit.
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