Читать книгу The Complete Works of Shakespeare онлайн

203 страница из 942

Speed. Well, I perceive I must be fain to bear with you.

Pro. Why, sir, how do you bear with me?

Speed. Marry, sir, the letter, very orderly, having nothing but the word ‘noddy’ for my pains.

Pro. Beshrew me, but you have a quick wit.

Speed. And yet it cannot overtake your slow purse.

Pro. 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 deliver’d.

Pro. Well, sir, here is for your pains. What said she?

Speed. Truly, sir, I think you’ll hardly win her.

Pro. 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.

Pro. What said she? nothing?

Speed. No, not so much as “Take this for thy pains.” To testify your bounty, I thank you, you have [testern’d] me; in requital whereof, henceforth carry your letters yourself: and so, sir, I’ll commend you to my master.