f the king, I heard him mutter: a
pimp, I warrant him, for I am sure he is an old courtier. Now, to put
off t'other remnant of my merchandize.--Stir up, sirrah! [_To_ ANT.
_Ant._ Dog, what wouldst thou have?
_Must._ Learn better manners, or I shall serve you a dog-trick; come
down upon all-four immediately; I'll make you know your rider.
_Ant._ Thou wilt not make a horse of me?
_Must._ Horse or ass, that's as thy mother made thee: but take
earnest, in the first place, for thy sauciness.--[_Lashes him with his
Whip._]--Be advised, friend, and buckle to thy geers: Behold my ensign
of royalty displayed over thee.
_Ant._ I hope one day to use thee worse in Portugal.
_Must._ Ay, and good reason, friend; if thou catchest me a-conquering
on thy side of the water, lay on me lustily; I will take it as kindly
as thou dost this.-- [_Holds up his Whip._
_Ant._ [_Lying down._] Hold, my dear Thrum-cap: I obey thee
cheerfully.--I see the doctrine of non-resistance is never practised
thoroughly, but when a man can't help himself.
_Enter a second Merchant._
_2d Mer._ You, friend, I would see that fellow do his postures.
_Must._ [_Bridling_ ANT.] Now, sirrah, follow, for you have rope
enough: To your paces, villain, amble trot, and gallop:--Quick about,
there.--Yeap! the more money's bidden for you, the more your credit.
[ANTONIO _follows, at the end of the
Bridle, on his Hands and Feet, and
does all his Postures._
_2d Mer._ He is well chined, and has a tolerable good back; that is
half in half.--[_To_ MUST.]--I would see him strip; has he no diseases
about him?
_Must._ He is the best piece of man's flesh in the market, not an
eye-sore in his whole body. Feel his legs, master; neither splint,
spavin, nor wind-gall. [_Claps him on the Shoulder._
_Mer._ [_Feeling about him, and then putting his Hand on his Side._]
Out upon him, how his flank heaves! The whore-son is broken-winded.
_Must._ Thick-breathed a little; nothing but a sorry cold with lying
out a-nights in trenches; but sound, wind and limb, I warrant
him.--Try him at a loose trot a little. [_Puts the Bridle into his
Hand, he strokes him._
_Ant._ For heaven's sake, owner, spare me: you know I am but new
broken.
_2d Mer._ 'Tis but a washy jade, I s
|