Pro.
Sebastian is thy name? I like thee well;
And will imploy 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,
Where have you been these two days loitering?

Laun.

Marry, Sir, I carry'd mistress Silvia the dog, you bad 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 have I 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:
She's dead, belike.

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 shouldst 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