Joh. He may make a shift to sow lettuce, raise melons, and water a garden-plat; but otherwise, a very filthy fellow: how odiously he smells of his country garlick! fugh, how he stinks of Spain.
Muf. Why honey bird, I bought him on purpose for thee: didst thou not say, thou longedst for a Christian slave?
Joh. Ay, but the sight of that loathsome creature has almost cured me; and how can I tell that he is a christian? an he were well searched, he may prove a Jew, for aught I know. And, besides, I have always longed for an eunuch; for they say that's a civil creature, and almost as harmless as yourself, husband.—Speak, fellow, are not you such a kind of peaceable thing?
Ant. I was never taken for one in my own country; and not very peaceable neither, when I am well provoked.
Muf. To your occupation, dog; bind up the jessamines in yonder arbour, and handle your pruning-knife with dexterity: tightly I say, go tightly to your business; you have cost me much, and must earn it in your work. Here's plentiful provision for you, rascal; salading in the garden, and water in the tank, and on holidays the licking of a platter of rice, when you deserve it.
Joh. What have you been bred up to, sirrah? and 350 what can you perform, to recommend you to my service?
Ant. [Making Legs.] Why, madam, I can perform as much as any man, in a fair lady's service. I can play upon the flute, and sing; I can carry your umbrella, and fan your ladyship, and cool you when you are too hot; in fine, no service, either by day or by night, shall come amiss to me; and, besides I am of so quick an apprehension, that you need but wink upon me at any time to make me understand my duty. [She winks at him.]—Very fine, she has tipt the wink already.
[Aside.
Joh. The whelp may come to something in time, when I have entered him into his business.
Muf. A very malapert cur, I can tell him that; I do not like his fawning—You must be taught your distance, sirrah.
[Strikes him.
Joh. Hold, hold. He has deserved it, I confess; but, for once, let his ignorance plead his pardon; we must not discourage a beginner. Your reverence has taught us charity, even to birds and beasts:—here, you filthy brute, you, take this little alms to buy you plasters.
[Gives him a piece of money.