Volume Ix Part 30 (1/2)
Fellow, I had rather given thee an hundred pounds than thou shouldst have put me out of my excellent meditation: by the faith of a gentleman, I was wrapp'd in contemplation.
IMMERITO.
Sir, you must pardon my father: he wants bringing up.
ACADEMICO.
Marry, it seems he hath good bringing up, when he brings up so much money. [_Aside_.]
STERCUTIO.
Indeed, sir, you must pardon me; I did not know you were a gentleman of the Temple before.
AMORETTO.
Well, I am content in a generous disposition to bear with country education: but, fellow, what's thy name?
STERCUTIO.
My name, sir? Stercutio, sir.
AMORETTO.
Why then, Stercutio, I would be very willing to be the instrument to my father, that this living might be conferred upon your son: marry, I would have you know that I have been importuned by two or three several lords, my kind cousins, in the behalf of some Cambridge man, and have almost engaged my word. Marry, if I shall see your disposition to be more thankful than other men, I shall be very ready to respect kind-natured men; for, as the Italian proverb speaketh well, _chi ha, havra_.
ACADEMICO.
Why, here is a gallant young drover of livings. [_Aside_.]
STERCUTIO.
I beseech you, sir, speak English; for that is natural to me and to my son, and all our kindred, to understand but one language.
AMORETTO.
Why thus, in plain English, I must be respected with thanks.
ACADEMICO.
This is a subtle tractive, when thanks may be felt and seen. [_Aside_.]
STERCUTIO.
And I pray you, sir, what is the lowest thanks that you will take?
ACADEMICO.
The very same method that he useth at the buying of an ox. [_Aside_.]
AMORETTO.
I must have some odd sprinkling of an hundred pounds; if so, so--I shall think you thankful, and commend your son as a man of good gifts to my father.
ACADEMICO.
A sweet world! give an hundred pounds; and this is but counted thankfulness! [_Aside_.]
STERCUTIO.
Hark thou, sir; you shall have eighty thanks.
AMORETTO.
I tell thee, fellow, I never opened my mouth in this kind so cheap before in my life: I tell thee, few young gentlemen are found that would deal so kindly with thee as I do.