_ 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 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.
Pages:
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401