PROTEUS.
Come, come, open the matter; in brief, what said she?
SPEED.
Open your purse, that the money and the matter may be both at once delivered.
PROTEUS.
[Giving him a coin.] Well, sir, here is for your pains. What said she?
SPEED.
Truly, sir, I think you’ll hardly win her.
PROTEUS.
Why? Couldst thou perceive so much from her?
SPEED.
Sir, I could perceive nothing at all from her; no, not so much as a ducat for delivering your letter. And being so hard to me that brought your mind, I fear she’ll prove as hard to you in telling your mind. Give her no token but stones, for she’s as hard as steel.
PROTEUS.
What said she, nothing?
SPEED.
No, not so much as “Take this for thy pains.” To testify your bounty, I thank you, you have testerned me; in requital whereof, henceforth carry your letters yourself. And so, sir, I’ll commend you to my master.
PROTEUS.
Go, go, begone, to save your ship from wrack,
Which cannot perish having thee aboard,
Being destined to a drier death on shore.
[Exit Speed.]