Part 80 (1/2)

aeSCH. In what?

MICIO. I'll tell you.

This house is tenanted by some poor women, Whom, I believe, you know not;--Nay, I'm sure on't, For 'twas but lately they came over hither.

aeSCH. Well?

MICIO. A young woman and her mother.

aeSCH. Well?

MICIO. The father's dead.--This friend of mine, it seems, Being her next relation, by the law Is forc'd to marry her.

aeSCH. Confusion! (_Aside._)

MICIO. How?

aeSCH. Nothing.--Well?--pray go on, Sir!----

MICIO. He's now come To take her home, for he is of Miletus.

aeSCH. How! take her home with him?

MICIO. Yes, take her home.

aeSCH. What, to Miletus?

MICIO. Aye.

aeSCH. Oh torture! (_Aside._)-- Well?

What say the women?

MICIO. Why, what should they? Nothing.

Indeed the mother has devis'd a tale About her daughter's having had a child By some one else, but never mentions whom: His claim, she says, is prior; and my friend Ought not to have her.

aeSCH. Well? and did not this Seem a sufficient reason?

MICIO. No.

aeSCH. No, Sir?

And shall this next relation take her off?

MICIO. Aye, to be sure: why not?

aeSCH. Oh barbarous, cruel!

And to speak plainly, Sir--ungenerous!

MICIO. Why so?

aeSCH. Why so, Sir?--What d'ye think Will come of him, the poor unhappy youth Who was connected with her first--who still Loves her, perhaps, as dearly as his life;---- When he shall see her torn out of his arms, And borne away forever?--Oh shame, shame!

MICIO. Where is the shame on't?--Who betroth'd, who gave her?