Perde 4
[Textpart 4]
Come, boldly name your price.
SAGARISTIO
I tell you beforehand; no one will dispose of her to you on warranty. Do you so understand it, then?
DORDALUS
I understand it.
Declare what’s the lowest price at which you’ll offer her, for which she may be taken by the purchaser.
590
TOXILUS
Hold your tongue, hold your tongue. Really, upon my faith, you are a very simple man, with your childish ways.
TOXILUS
Why because I wish you first to make enquiries of the damsel which relate to your interest.
DORDALUS
And really, upon my faith, you’ve given me no bad advice. Look at that, will you. I, an experienced Procurer, had almost fallen into the pit,
if you had not been here. How important a point it is to have a person your friend at hand when you are about anything.
595
TOXILUS
I want you to make enquiry of her, of what family or in what country she was born, or of what parents, so that you mayn’t say that you’ve bought her at hazard by my persuasion or suggestion.
DORDALUS
On the contrary, I approve of your counsel, I tell you.
TOXILUS
Unless it’s troublesome, he’s desirous to make a few enquiries of her.
TOXILUS
Why do you delay? Go to him yourself; and do you yourself ask him as well, that you may be allowed to make such enquiries as you please; although he has told me that he gives permission to do so of her, still I had rather that you yourself should go to him, that he mayn’t be holding you in contempt.
600
DORDALUS
You give me very proper advice. (Accosting SAGARISTIO.) Stranger, I should like to ask some questions of her.
SAGARISTIO
From earth to heaven, whatever you like.
DORDALUS
Just bid her to step this way to me.
605
SAGARISTIO
Go you, then, and humour him. (To DORDALUS.) Make enquiry, question her, just as you please.
605
TOXILUS
Well, well Well, well: In Weise’s Edition these words are given to Sagaristio, but they seem better in the mouth of Toxilus., get on then; make your preparations. (Aside to the YOUNG WOMAN.) Take you care to commence with a good omen.
