I’ve lent my assistance to my friend in a friendly manner; this piece of goods, which my neighbour requested me, I’ve purchased. [Turning to PASICOMPSA] You are my own; then follow me. Don’t weep. You are acting very foolishly; spoiling such eyes. Why, really you have more reason to laugh than to be crying.

PASICOMPSA.

In the name of heaven, prithee, my good old gentleman, do tell me—

LYSIMACHUS.

Ask me what you please.

PASICOMPSA.

Why have you bought me?

LYSIMACHUS.

What, I, bought you? For you to do what you are bidden; in like manner what you bid me, I’ll do.

PASICOMPSA.

I am determined, to the best of my ability and skill, to do what I shall think you desire.

LYSIMACHUS.

I shall bid you do nothing of laborious work.

PASICOMPSA.

Why, really, for my part, my good old gentleman, I haven’t learnt, i’ faith, to carry burdens, or to feed cattle at the farm, or to nurse children.

LYSIMACHUS.

If you choose to be a good girl, it shall be well for you.

PASICOMPSA.

Then, i’ faith, to my sorrow, I’m undone.

LYSIMACHUS.

Why so?

PASICOMPSA.

Because in the place from which I have been conveyed hither, it used to be well with the worthless.

LYSIMACHUS. [Aside]

By my troth, her talk alone is worth more than the sum that she was purchased at. [To PASICOMPSA] As though you would say that no woman is good.

PASICOMPSA.

Indeed I don’t say so; nor is it my way, to say a thing which I believe all people are acquainted with.

LYSIMACHUS.

I want to ask this one thing of you.

PASICOMPSA.

I’ll answer you when you ask.

LYSIMACHUS.

What say you now? What am I to say your name is?

PASICOMPSA.

Pasicompsa.

LYSIMACHUS.

The name was given you from your good looks. But what say you, Pasicompsa? Can you, if occasion should arise, spin a fine woof?

PASICOMPSA.

I can.

LYSIMACHUS.

If you know how to do a fine one, I’m sure you can spin a coarser one.

PASICOMPSA.

For spinning, I fear no woman that’s of the same age.

LYSIMACHUS.

Upon my faith, I take it that you are good and industrious, since, young woman, now that you are grown up, you know how to do your duty.

PASICOMPSA.

I’ faith, I learned it from a skilful mistress. I won’t let my work be called in question.

LYSIMACHUS.

Well, thus the matter stands, i’ faith. Look now, I’ll give you a sheep for your own, one sixty years old.

PASICOMPSA.

My good old gentleman, one so old as that?

LYSIMACHUS.

It’s of the Grecian breed. If you take care of it, it is a very good one; it is shorn very easily.

PASICOMPSA.

For the sake of the compliment, whatever it is that shall be given me, I shall receive it with thanks.

LYSIMACHUS.