Page. Sir, the goldsmith is here.
Nobleman. Show him in. He will be wanting money. Good-day to you, sir. Put your hat on, please. You have a great friend in me, and one who sings your merits. I was praising you only yesterday to the King with all my might, and I know he will employ you, and I will help you in this as often as I can. For sometimes such help is better than a pension, and you know well the value of your reputation and other such things.
Goldsmith. Sir, I will serve him with all my heart.
N. Do you know what I like about you—I said so to the King, and it is greatly to your credit: you do not mind if you are paid or left unpaid. I never saw such patience, such superiority, such a will to please.
G. Our account is so small and so long overdue that it is dying of hope deferred, and to present it fills me with presentiment.
N. O, how skilfully you limn your speech. Glad indeed am I not to have paid you so as to hear you hammer out your words so well.
G. Sir, I kiss your hands, but would gladly see what is mine in mine.
N. Another courtier’s phrase! “Sir, I kiss your hands, but would gladly see what is mine in mine!” O, what fine flowers of speech![52]