University of Virginia Library

ACT IV.

SCENE I.

Enter TOXILUS.
TOXILUS.
When with good management and sober care
We act, not without reason we succeed—
Things well begun, will go on well of course.
Whate'er a knave or fool engages in,
Will turn out ill—But a wise man's affairs
Will have assur'd success—This business
I cleverly and artfully began;
Therefore I'm sure, it can't turn out amiss—
And now this pandar shall I hamper so,
He shan't know how to disengage himself—
Holla there!—Sagaristio come out,
And bring the maiden with you, and those tablets,
Which I consign'd to you; those which you've brought
From Persia, from my master—

SCENE II.

Enter SAGARISTIO, leading in SATURIO's daughter, both in Persian habits.
Sag.
Here am I.

Tox.
O fine! O brave! A splendid dress indeed!
And the tiara gives a grace to it.
The slipper too!—How nicely it becomes
The stranger—But your parts have you well studied?

Sag.
No tragic actor, nor no comic, e'er
Studied his part with such attention—

Tox.
'Troth
You aid me well—Retire quite out of sight,
[to Sag. &c.
And pray, be silent—When you see me talking
With that same pandar, then's the proper time
To join us, and approach—So—Now march off—

SCENE III.

Enter DORDALUS.
Dor.
Whene'er the gods are pleas'd a man to favour,
They always throw some profit in his way.
Now shall I gain two loaves a day—My girl
Is now his property—His cash prevail'd.
She'll sup to-day at his expence—nor taste
A morsel more at mine—Now am not I
A good man, and a dainty citizen,
Who this large city Athens have increas'd,
And made it larger still, by adding to it
One female citizen?—I have been generous,
And trusted some to-day without a pawn.
In short, like credit I to all have given,
Nor fear'd my debtors should forswear themselves.
From this day forward I've a mind to be
An honest man—That's what I never was—
Nor ever shall be—

Tox.
I, by subtil arts,
Shall catch this rogue to-day—I've set my trap
So cunningly—Yes—I'll accost the fellow—
What are you doing, Dordalus?

Dor.
Trusting you.

Tox.
May the gods grant you good success!—Pray say,
Have you made free the girl?

Dor.
I give you credit.
I say, and swear it too—

Tox.
But have you now
A freed-woman at home?—

Dor.
I'm plagu'd to death.
I say I give you credit.

Tox.
Well, but say
Upon your faith and truth, the girl is free.

Dor.
Go to the Forum, to the Prætor go,
Ask him, since I'm unworthy of your credit.
I say, she's free—Do you hear?—

Tox.
The gods reward you!
I'll never wish again to you nor yours
What you dislike—

Dor.
Well, now you need not swear:
I give you credit—

Tox.
Your freed-woman now,
Where is she?

Dor.
At your house—

Tox,
What! Say you so!
She at my house?

Dor.
I tell you that she is.
She's at your house, I say—

Tox.
And may the gods
So love and bless me, as for this good turn
I have in store a thousand favours for you!
I have conceal'd a thing I'll now disclose,
From which you'll gain a profit so immense,
That you'll remember me, whilst you have breath
To breathe—

Dor.
My ears ask aid of some kind deeds
For these kind words.

Tox.
Your merits sure command
As much—That you may know what I shall do,
Here, take and read this tablet—

Dor.
Is't to me?

Tox.
You and your interest too are both concern'd—
'Tis brought to me from Persia, from my master.

Dor.
And when?—

Tox.
E'en now—

Dor.
What says it?

Tox.
Ask the tablet;
It will itself inform you.

Dor.
Give it me.

Tox.
But read it out aloud.

[giving a tablet.
Dor.
Be silent then,
Whilst I am reading—

Tox.
I'll not speak a word—

Dor.
[reading.]
“Trimarchides to Toxilus sends health,
“And to his family—'Twill give me joy
“To hear you're well—I am in health myself;
“Am busied in affairs that bring me gain—
“Nor, till eight months are past, shall I return
“From hence—Some business will detain me here.
“The Persians Eleusipolis have sack'd,
“A city of Arabia, old and opulent—
“And such a mass of plunder have procur'd,
“That there must be proclaim'd a publick auction.
“'Tis this affair prevents my coming home.
“Do you assist, and entertain the man
“Who brings this letter—All that he desires,
“Take care to do for him—For I have been
“Much honour'd at his house”—What interest
[to Toxilus.
Have I, or my affairs, in what your master
Or what the Persians do?

Tox.
Peace, foolish babler!
You do not know the luck hangs o'er your head—
Fortune for you but lights her torch in vain—

Dor.
And what's this mighty gainful luck then? Say—

Tox.
Ask those who know—I know no more than you,
But that I chanc'd to read the tablet first.
Go on as you began, and from the tablet
Inform yourself of all the whole affair—

Dor.
You counsel me aright—And so, be silent—

Tox.
Now you will come to what's for your advantage.

Dor.
[reading.]
“The man who brings this tablet, also brings
“And beautiful engaging girl, born free,
“Stolen, and brought here from the inmost part
“Of all Arabia—Take you care she's sold—
“But he who buys her, buys her at his peril.
“None will engage to warrant the possession.
“Mind you be paid in good and lawful money,
“And that my friend be well receiv'd—Farewell”—

Tox.
Well—D'you believe me, now you've read the tablet?

Dor.
Where is the man who brought this tablet to you?

Tox.
I've sent to fetch him from the ship—I think
He'll soon be here—

Dor.
I want no law, no quirks—
Why should I pay my cash for other folks?
I'll have my goods, or have them warranted.

Tox.
Will you then hold your tongue; or, will you not?
I never could have thought you such an ideot.
What is it you're afraid of—

Dor.
Troth, I fear—
Many a time and oft I've felt the smart—
And 'twill be no new thing to me, to stick
In such a bog—

Tox.
Psha! psha!—There seems no danger—

Dor.
Why that I know—But then, I have my fears—

Tox.
I have no private interest of my own—
Meerly on your account I mov'd the thing,
To throw a lucky purchase in your way—

Dor.
I thank you for't—But yet, 'tis sweeter far
Wisdom to gain from other's woes, than others
Should learn from ours—

Tox.
Who from the inmost part
Of Barbary can possibly pursue her?
Not buy her yet?—

Dor.
Let me but see the goods?

Tox.
You say what's just—but see! he comes himself,
The very man who brought the tablet to me.

Dor.
What! is this he?

Tox.
The very man—

Dor.
And this
The kidnapp'd girl?

Tox.
I know no more than you,
But that I've seen her—Be she who she will,
She's quite genteel—

Dor.
Her face is well enough.

Tox.
[aside]
With what contempt the scoundrel speaks of her—
In silence then we will observe her form.

[to Dord.]
Dor.
Well, be it so, I like your counsel well.

SCENE IV.

Enter SAGARISTIO and the DAUGHTER of SATURIO.
Sag.
Don't Athens seem a rich and sumptuous city?

Daug.
I've only seen the outside and the form;
The ways and manners of the people, yet
But little I've observ'd.—

Tox.
There's not a word,
But from the very first she has wisely spoke.

Dor.
[apart]
In a first word I cannot find out wisdom.

Sag.
But as to what you've seen—How does the city
Seem fortified?—

Daug.
Why I should think indeed,
Be but the manners of the people good,
The city's well and fairly fortified—
If breach of faith be banish'd from the city;
Embezzlement of publick money too,
And avarice; if three others with them, spite,
Ambition, scandal; perjury a seventh—

Tox.
O brave!

Dor.
If idleness an eighth, a ninth
Injurious treatment; and a tenth, of all
Most difficult to come at, lawless lust;
If all this crew be not remov'd from hence,
The thickest wall is a defence too weak—

Tox.
What say you, Dordalus?—

Dor.
What is't you mean?

Tox.
You're of the ten, one of the brotherhood—
You ought to troop off hence to banishment—

Dor.
How so?

Tox.
Because you are a perjur'd rascal—

Dor.
Ay, by my troth, there's wisdom in those words—

Tox.
Buy her I say—This turns to your advantage.

Dor.
Why, troth, the more I look, the more I like her—

Tox.
If you should purchase her, immortal gods!
You'll be the richest merchant in the place,
Turn people out of their estates and houses,
Be introduc'd to men of rank and quality.
They'll pay you court, and feast and revel with you.

Dor.
I'll not admit them tho'—

Tox.
Then, they by night
Will sing abusive songs before your house;
Burn down your doors—Then you may shut your house
With doors of steel, make your whole house of iron,
Fix iron thresholds, iron bolt and ring;—
For fear, if you be sparing of your iron,
You should get iron fetters for yourself.

Dor.
Go, hang yourself—

Tox.
Go you, and buy the girl—
Mind what I've said—

Dor.
Let me but know the price—

Tox.
Say, shall I call him hither—

Dor.
I'll go to him.

Tox.
What say you, friend?— [to Sagaristio.]


Sag.
I'm come, and bring the girl,
As I just now had promis'd you I would—
'Twas but last night, our ship arriv'd in port—
I wish to sell this maiden, if I can;
If not, why then with all the speed I may
I'll go from hence—

Dor.
Welcome, young man—

Sag.
Well come
Indeed, can I but sell her at her price.

Tox.
You'll sell her well to him, or else to no one—

Sag.
Are you his friend?—

Tox.
As much as all the gods,
Heaven's high inhabitants—

Dor.
'Tis past a doubt
You're then my foe—For never was a god
To any of our trade so kind, that he
Would favour him—

Sag.
Come to the point in hand—
Have you a mind to buy my girl?—

Dor.
Why yes—
If you've a mind to sell, I have to buy—
If you've no business on your hands in haste,
I'm quite at leisure too—

Sag.
Well, fix your price—

Dor.
The goods are yours—That's what you ought to do.

Tox.
That's fair—

Sag.
Would you buy cheap?

Dor.
Would you sell dear?

Tox.
That's what both wish I know, by Hercules!

Dor.
Come, set your price—

Sag.
I must inform you first,
No man alive will warrant you the goods:
You understand me?

Dor.
Yes I do, declare
The lowest price, that one may have her for—

Tox.
Peace, peace you fool, you're acting like a child—

Dor.
How so?

Tox.
Because, I first would have you ask
Some proper questions of the girl herself.

Dor.
By Hercules! you give no bad advice—
The wary pandar I had almost slipt,
And fal'n into a trap, if you had not
Been here—Of what advantage 'tis to have
A friend at hand, when business is transacted!

Tox.
Inquire her family, where she was born,
And who her parents are; lest you should say
That you had made by my advice and impulse
Too rash a bargain—By your leave, my friend
[to Sagaristio.
Would a few questions ask of this fair maid—

Sag.
With all my heart, at his own will and pleasure.

Tox.
Why stand you?—Go yourself, make your demands—
Altho' the liberty was granted me,
Yet you may ask such questions as you please—
And I had rather you should go yourself,
For fear the man should hold you in contempt.

Dor.
You give me good advice enough—My friend,
[to Sagaristio.
I fain would ask this girl of yours some questions.

Sag.
From first to last, as many as you please—

Tox.
Bid her come here to me—

Sag.
Go to him, child,
And do what he commands—Examine her— [to Dord.

Ask her as many questions as you please.

Tox.
[to Dordalus].
Come on now you—step forward; and take care
You enter on the matter with good omens.

Dor.
The auspices are clear—

Tox.
Then hold your tongue.
Go back a little; now I'll bring her to you.

[goes to the girl.
Dor.
Do what you think is most for my advantage—

Tox.
[to the girl.]
Follow me— [to Dord.]
Would you ask her any question?
I lead her to you— [going.


Dor.
I'd fain have you by—

Tox.
I can't—I must obey my master's will,
And do my duty to this stranger here.—
[pointing to Sagaristio.
Suppose he should not like to have me by?—

Sag.
[to Toxilus]
Yes, yes, come near—

Tox.
I will assist you then—

Dor.
When you assist your friend, you aid yourself—

Tox.
Examine her— [Aside to the girl]
Be you upon your guard—

Daug.
A word's enough [aside to Toxilus.]
Altho' I am a slave
[aloud.
I know my duty well—To his demands
I must a fair and candid answer make
As far as I'm inform'd—

Tox.
My girl, this man's
An honest man—

Daug.
I do believe he is—

Tox.
You will not serve him long—

Daug.
Such is my hope,
If that my parents will but do their duty—

Dor.
Be not surpriz'd I beg, if we demand
Who are your parents, and what is your country?

Daug.
Why should I be surpriz'd at that, good sir?
My state of slavery has forbid me now
To be amaz'd at any evil hap
Which may betide poor me—

Tox.
Weep not—

Daug.
Alass!
Alass! ah! woe is me—

Tox.
[aside]
The gods confound her!
Why, what an artful, crafty slut she is!—
She has courage too, and says just what she ought.

Dor.
Pray give me leave to ask your name—

Tox.
Ah! now
I'm in a mortal fright, lest she should blunder.—

Daug.
In my own country, I was called Lucris—

Tox.
The name and omen are worth any price—
Why don't you purchase her?— [aside]
She has pass'd the pikes,
I was most wofully afraid she'd blunder—

Dor.
If I should purchase you, I'm confident,
My lucre you will be—

Tox.
And if you do,
'Tis my belief, she will not be your slave
To the month's end—

Dor.
Why, that's my wish, by Hercules!

Tox.
Assist yourself, that you may have your wish.
She has made no faux-pas yet. [aside.


Dor.
Where was you born?

Daug.
'Troth, as my mother told me, in the kitchen—
And in a nook on the left hand of it—

Tox.
To you, she'll be a lucky courtezan—
The place of her nativity was warm,
And where good things of every kind abound—
The rogue was taken in, when he enquir'd
[aside.
Where she was born—She plays him off most rarely—

Dor.
But what's your country?—that's the thing I ask?

Daug.
What should it be, but this where now I am—

Dor.
But I enquire for that which was your country—

Daug.
What was, is deem'd as nothing when 'tis gone—
You might as well ask one who has breath'd his last,
Who once he was—

Tox.
So may the gods be kind!
How cleverly she answers—Yet I pity her—

Dor.
But still, my girl, what country are you of?
Speak out at once—What does this silence mean?

Daug.
I'll truly tell you then, what is my country—
This is my country, for I'm here a slave,

Tox.
Touch not that string—You see, she'll not speak out,
Lest you recall past miseries to her mind—

Dor.
Well, well—Is then your father in captivity?

Daug.
No, he is not—But every thing he had
He lost—

Tox.
She must be of a noble house;
Her only knowledge is, to speak the truth—

Dor.
Who was your father?—Let me know his name?

Daug.
Why should I say, who was my wretched father—
Both of us now may well be called wretched—

Dor.
And how was he esteem'd among the people?

Daug.
None better lik'd—Both slaves and free men lov'd him.

Tox.
You have describ'd a man of woe indeed—
Who has lost his friends, and is undone himself.

Dor.
I think I'll purchase her—

Tox.
Still, only think so?

Dor.
She is descended from a princely race,
I well believe—

Tox.
You'll make a fortune by her—

Dor.
Gods grant I may!

Tox.
Would you but close the bargain.

Daug.
This I must say—Soon as my father knows
I'm here arriv'd he'll come and ransom me.

Tox.
How now?—

Dor.
What is't—

Tox.
Heard you not what she said?

Daug.
Altho' his fortune's bankrupt, he has friends

[weeps.
Dor.
Weep not—You'll soon regain your liberty,
If you've gallants enough—But are you willing
To be my slave?

Daug.
Upon condition, that
I am not so too long—

Tox.
Mark how she harps
Upon her freedom—She will be a mass,
A mint of money to you—Come, do this
If you do any thing—I'll go to him—
[meaning Sagaristio.]
Follow you me— [to the girl]
I'll bring her back to you.—

[to Sagaristio.
Dor.
Young man, are you dispos'd to sell this girl?

Sag.
I rather chuse to sell her, than to lose her—

Dor.
Declare then in a word what I must give,
And fix your price—

Sag.
And I will fix it so,
That I shall shew, I wish to deal with you.
Then for a hundred minæ she is yours—

Dor.
That is too much—

Sag.
For eighty then—

Dor.
Too much—

Sag.
I cannot bate a single piece of what
I mention now—

Dor.
Well, what is that?—Speak out—

Sag.
Then she is yours for sixty silver minæ,
At your own risk—

Dor.
Say then, what shall I do?

[apart to Toxilus.
Tox.
May the angry gods pursue you for a villain!
[apart to Dordalus.
Boggle at such a purchase!—

Dor.
Well, I'll have her

Tox.
You've got a noble prize—Go fetch the money—
She'd be a bargain at three hundred minæ—
You are the winner.—

Sag.
Hark you me! I add
Ten minæ more for her habiliments—

Dor.
You should abate, not add—

Tox.
Can't you be quiet—
You see he wants a handle to be off—
Why don't you go, and fetch the money?

Dor.
Mind,
And watch—

Tox.
Go in—

Dor.
I'm gone—I'll bring the money.

[Exit.

SCENE V.

Tox.
You've help'd us admirably well, my girl,
And play'd your part with judgment, sense, and skill.

Daug.
When on good men a favour we confer,
'Twill seem important, and will always please them.

Tox.
Hark you!—You Persian, when you have the money,
Pretend you're going to the ship directly—

Sag.
Instruct not me.—

Tox.
And then return again,
By the back lane on that side, through the garden.

Sag.
You well describe the way that shall be be taken—

Tox.
Change not your quarters when you've got the money—
I caution you—

Sag.
What you yourself deserve
Do'you' think me worthy of?

Tox.
'St.—Silence then—
Lower your voice—Here comes the gudgeon out—

SCENE VI.

Re-enter DORDALUS with a bag of money.
Dor.
Sixty good silver minæ, save two pieces,
Are in this bag—

Sag.
And what do they profess?

Dor.
To buy this bag—Or cause it to return
To me again—

Sag.
Ay, that's lest you should be
A pandar incompleat, you sordid wretch,
You fear to lose your bag—

Tox.
Let him alone;
I beg you do—For, since he is a pandar
The thing's not wonderful at all—

Dor.
This day,
If heed is given to omens I shall make
Considerable profit—Nothing then
So small, but I should grieve to part with it—
Here, take it—

Sag.
Hang it then about my neck,
If 'tis not troublesome—

Dor.
It shall be done—

[Hangs the bag about Sagaristio's neck.
Sag.
Is there ought else you would command me in?

Dor.
Why in such haste?

Sag.
My business presses me.
I've letters to deliver in the city—
Besides, I'm told, that my twin brother's here
A slave—I want to find him, and redeem him.

Dor.
You've put it luckily into my head,—
I think I've seen one here exactly like you,
Just the same size—

Sag.
'Tis certainly my brother.

Dor.
But we would gladly know your name?

Tox.
His name?
What's that to us?—

Sag.
You must be all attention.
'Tis vainspekèron—virginselleronides,
Trifleblaberos—silverscreweronton,
Theeworthyspeakades—flatt'rygaineros
What he has once done—neverpartwitharon—

Dor.
Hey-day!—Your name must certainly be written
In various ways—

Sag.
It is the Persian fashion—
We have long names, and hard to be pronounc'd—
Would you command me further?

Dor.
No—Farewell—

Sag.
Farewell to you—My mind's on board already—

Dor.
You'd better go to-morrow—Sup with us
To-day— [to Sagaristio going.]
Well, if it must be so—Farewell.

[Exit Sagaristio.

SCENE VII.

Tox.
So! now he's gone, I may declare my mind.
This day has shone a lucky day indeed—
You have not bought her, for she's all clear gain.

Dor.
Ah! he knows well enough what he has done.
He has sold stol'n goods, and sold them at my risk.
How do I know she may'nt be claim'd to-day?—
Where shall I follow him?—To Persia—Nonsense!—

Tox.
I thought you would have thank'd me for the favour—

Dor.
I do return you thanks indeed, my Toxilus—
For I perceive you aided me with care—

Tox.
Aided, d'you say?—I serv'd you to some purpose.

Dor.
Oh me! some things I've totally forgot,
I did intend to order in my family—
Pray guard her well—

Tox.
She's safe, depend upon't—

[Exit Dordalus.
Daug.
My father loiters now—

Tox.
What?—Shall I call him?

Daug.
'Tis time.

Tox.
Hola!—Come forth Saturio.
Now you may be reveng'd upon your enemy—

Enter SATURIO.
Sat.
See, here am I—Do I delay the business?

Tox.
Well—Go you there, a good way out of sight—

Sat.
No more—

Tox.
When you observe me in discourse
And talking to the pandar, make a bustle.

Sat.
A word you know is to the wise enough—

[Exit Saturio and his Daughter.

SCENE VIII.

Re-enter DORDALUS.
Dor.
I have well scourg'd my slaves since I went home,
My house and furniture's in such a pickle.

Tox.
Are you return'd at last—

Dor.
You see I am—

Tox.
And have I not got a good birth for you
To-day?—

Dor.
I own it, and return you thanks—

Tox.
With me ought else?—

Dor.
May happiness attend you.

Tox.
By Pollux! I have ta'en good care of that—
For your freed girl I shall enjoy at home.

Exit.

SCENE IX.

Re-enter SATURIO and his DAUGHTER.
Sat.
Well—if I'm not destruction to that fellow—

Dor.
Undone!

Sat.
He's luckily before the door—

Daug.
My father, hail!

Sat.
And hail to you, my daughter—

Dor.
That Persian's ruin'd me—

Daug.
This is my father—

[to Dordalus.
Dor.
What father?—I am ruin'd past redemption.
Why don't I weep my sixty minæ lost—

Sat.
Villain, I'll make you weep yourself—

Dor.
I'm murder'd.

Sat.
Come pandar—March before a magistrate—

Dor.
Why summon me?

Sat.
I'll open that in court,
Before the Prætor—Mind I summon you—

Dor.
But don't you call to this arrest some witness?

Sat.
Shall I for you touch any freeman's ear?
Scoundrel—Whose trade is buying up free citizens.

Dor.
Let me but speak—

Sat.
I'll not—

Dor.
Hear me—

Sat.
I'm deaf—
Come follow me this way, vile catamountain—
Thou virgin-stealer—And do you, my daughter,
Go with us to the Prætor's—

Daugh.
Sir, I follow—

[Exeunt.