SCENE VIII.
Enter Bannswright, Warehouse, Dorcas.
Ban. Madam, this is the gentleman I mention'd,
I've brought him here, according to my function,
To give you both an interview: if you
Be ready, the church and priest are.
Aur. Is this, sir,
The wealthy merchant?
Ban. Madam, this is he
That, if you'll wear the price of baronies,
Or live at Cleopatra's rate, can keep you.
Aur. Come you a suitor, sir, to me?
Ware. Yes, lady,
I did employ my speaker there, who hath,
I hope, inform'd you with my purpose.
Aur. Surely
Your speaker then hath err'd; I understood
Him for my woman: if you can like her, sir,
It being, for aught I hear, all one to you,
I've woo'd her for you. But, for myself, could you
Endow me with the stream that ebbs and flows
In waves of gold, I hope you do not think
I'd so much stain my birth, as to be bought
To match into a company. Sir, plainly,
I'm match'd already.
Ware. Bannswright, did not you
Tell me she'd have me?
Ban. Faith, sir, I have ears
That might deceive me; but I did dream waking,
If she were not the party. Madam, pray you,
One word in private.
Aur. I'll prevent you. 'Tis true,
My brother laid the scene for me; but since
We've chang'd the plot, and 'tis contriv'd my woman
Shall undertake my part. [Aside.
Ban. I am instructed
I was mistaken, sir; indeed the lady
Spoke to me for her gentlewoman. How
Do you affect her, sir? you see she is
As handsome as her lady; and, her birth
Not being so high, she will more size with you.
Ware. I say, I like her best. Her lady has
Too much great house in her.
Ban. 'Tis right; this you
May govern as you list. I'll motion't. Lady,
Pray, pardon our mistake; indeed our errand
Was chiefly to your gentlewoman.
Aur. Sir,
She's one, whose fortune I so much intend;
And yours, sir, are so fair that, though there be
Much disproportion in your age, yet I
Will overrule her, and she shall refer
Herself to be dispos'd by me.
Ware. You much oblige me, madam.
Aur. Dorcas, this is the merchant
I have provided for you: he is old,
But he has that will make him young, much gold.
Dor. Madam, but that I should offend against
Your care, as well as my preferment, I'd
Have more experience of the man I mean
To make my husband. At first sight to marry,
Must argue me of lightness.
Aur. Princes, Dorcas,
Do woo by pictures and ambassadors,
And match in absent ceremonies.
Dor. But
You look for some great portion, sir?
Ware. Fair mistress,
Your virtues are to me a wealthy dowry;
And if you love me, I shall think you bring
More than the Indies.
Dor. But, sir, 't may be,
You'll be against my course of life. I love
Retirement, must have times for my devotion,
Am little us'd to company, and hate
The vanity of visits.
Ware. This makes me
Love you the more.
Dor. Then I shall never trust you
To go to sea, and leave me: I shall dream
Of nought but storms and pirates; every wind
Will break my sleep.
Ware. I'll stay at home.
Dor. Sir, there
Is one thing more: I hear you have a nephew
You mean to make your heir; I hope you will
Settle some jointure on me.
Ware. He's so lost
In my intents that, to revenge myself,
I take this course. But, to remove your doubts,
I've brought my lawyer with blank deeds:
He shall put in your name; and I, before
We go to church, will seal 'em.
Dor. On these terms,
Where is your priest, sir?
Ware. He expects me at
The French Church, mistress.
Aur. Come, when you have seal'd, sir:
I'll bear a part in the solemnity. [Exeunt.