Pro.
Sebastian is thy name? I like thee well;
And will employ thee in some service presently.

Jul.
In what you please—I'll do, Sir, what I can.

Pro.
I hope, thou wilt—How now, you whoreson peasant, [To Launce.
Where have you been these two days loitering?

Laun.

Marry, Sir, I carry'd mistress Silvia the dog, you bade me.

Pro.

And what says she to my little jewel?

Laun.

Marry, she says, your dog was a cur; and tells you, currish thanks is good enough for such a present.

Pro.

But she receiv'd my dog?

Laun.

No, indeed, she did not: here I have brought him back again.

Pro.

What, didst thou offer her this from me?

Laun.

Ay, Sir; the other squirrel was stoll'n from me by the hangman's boy in the market-place; and then I offer'd her mine own, who is a dog as big as ten of yours, and therefore the gift the greater.

Pro.
Go, get thee hence, and find my dog again,
Or ne'er return again into my sight.
Away, I say; stay'st thou to vex me here?
A slave, that, still an end, turns me to shame. [Exit Launce.
Sebastian, I have entertained thee,
Partly, that I have need of such a youth,
That can with some discretion do my business,
(For 'tis no trusting to yon foolish lowt:)
But, chiefly, for thy face and thy behaviour;
Which, if my augury deceive me not,
Witness good bringing up, fortune and truth;
Therefore know thou, for this I entertain thee.
Go presently, and take this ring with thee;
Deliver it to Madam Silvia.
She lov'd me well, deliver'd it to me.

Jul.
It seems, you lov'd not her, to leave her token:^{4 note}

Pro.
Not so: I think, she lives.

Jul.
Alas!

Pro.
Why do'st thou cry, alas?

Jul.
I cannot chuse but pity her.

Pro.
Wherefore should'st thou pity her?

Jul.
Because, methinks, that she lov'd you as well
As you do love your lady Silvia:
She dreams on him, that has forgot her love;
You doat on her, that cares not for your love.
'Tis pity love should be so contrary;
And, thinking on it, makes me cry, alas!

Pro.
Well, give her that ring, and give therewithal
This letter;—that's her chamber:—tell my lady,
I claim the promise for her heav'nly picture.
Your message done, hie home unto my chamber,
Where thou shalt find me sad and solitary. [Exit Protheus.

Previous section

Next section