Fac. But on his death-bed, leaving to his sister
All that he had, beside some certain jewels
(Which, with a
ceremony, he bequeathed to you,
In grateful memory), he commanded strictly
His sister, as she loved him
and his peace,
To see those jewels safe and true deliver’d,
And, with them, his last love. She, as tender
to
Observe this will, not trusting friend nor servant
With such a weight, is come herself to Paris,
And at my
master’s house.
Mir. You tell me a wonder.
Fac. I tell you a truth sir. She is young and handsome,
And well attended; of much state and riches;
So
loving and obedient to her brother,
That, on my conscience, if he had given her also,
She would most
willingly have made her tender.
Mir. May not I see her?
Fac. She desires it heartily.
Mir. And presently?
Fac. She is now about some business,
Passing accounts of some few debts here owing,
And buying
jewels of a merchant.
Mir. Is she wealthy?
Fac. I would you had her, sir, at all adventure:
Her brother had a main state.
Mir. And fair too?
Fac. The prime of all those parts of Italy,
For beauty and for courtesy.
Mir. I must needs see her.
Fac. ’Tis all her business, sir. You may now see her;
But to-morrow will be fitter for your visitation,
For
she’s not yet prepared.
Mir. Only her sight, sir:
And, when you shall think fit, for further visit.
Fac. Sir, you may see her, and I’ll wait your coming.
Mir. And I’ll be with ye instantly. I know the house;
Meantime, my love, and thanks, sir!
Fac. Your poor servant.
[Exit.
Pinac. Thou hast the strangest luck! What was that Alberto?
Mir. An honest noble merchant, ’twas my chance
To rescue from some rogues had almost slain him;
And
he in kindness to remember this!
Bel. Now we shall have you
(For all your protestations, and your forwardness)
Find out strange fortunes
in this lady’s eyes,
And new enticements to put off your journey;
And who shall have honour then?
Mir. No, no, never fear it:
I must needs see her, to receive my legacy.
Bel. If it be tied up in her smock, Heaven help thee!
May not we see too?