, 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. I can play upon the flute, and sing; I can
carry your umbrella, and fan your ladyship, and cool you when you are
too hot; in fine, no service, either by day or by night, shall come
amiss to me; and, besides I am of so quick an apprehension, that you
need but wink upon me at any time to make me understand my duty. [_She
winks at him._]--Very fine, she has tipt the wink already. [_Aside._

_Joh._ The whelp may come to something in time, when I have entered
him into his business.

_Muf._ A very malapert cur, I can tell him that; I do not like his
fawning--You must be taught your distance, sirrah. [_Strikes him._

_Joh._ Hold, hold. He has deserved it, I confess; but, for once, let
his ignorance plead his pardon; we must not discourage a beginner.
Your reverence has taught us charity, even to birds and beasts:--here,
you filthy brute, you, take this little alms to buy you plasters.
[_Gives him a piece of money._

_Ant._ Money, and a love-pinch in the inside of my palm into the
bargain. [_Aside._

_Enter a Servant._

_Serv._ Sir, my lord Benducar is coming to wait on you, and is already
at the palace gate.

_Muf._ Come in, Johayma; regulate the rest of
my wives and concubines, and leave the fellow to
his work.

_Joh._ How stupidly he stares about him, like a calf new come into the
world! I shall teach you, sirrah, to know your business a little
better. This way, you awkward rascal; here lies the arbour; must I be
shewing you eternally? [_Turning him about._

_Muf._ Come away, minion; you shall shew hi