Drama  |  William Shakespeare  |  Comedy of Errors  |  Scene 1.

Comedy of Errors — Scene 1. (Part 3 of 4)

ANGELO

You know I gave it you half an hour since.

OF EPHESUS

You gave me none: you wrong me much to say so.

ANGELO

You wrong me more, sir, in denying it:
Consider how it stands upon my credit.

Second Merchant

Well, officer, arrest him at my suit.

Officer

I do; and charge you in the duke's name to obey me.

ANGELO

This touches me in reputation.
Either consent to pay this sum for me
Or I attach you by this officer.

OF EPHESUS

Consent to pay thee that I never had!
Arrest me, foolish fellow, if thou darest.

ANGELO

Here is thy fee; arrest him, officer,
I would not spare my brother in this case,
If he should scorn me so apparently.

Officer

I do arrest you, sir: you hear the suit.

OF EPHESUS

I do obey thee till I give thee bail.
But, sirrah, you shall buy this sport as dear
As all the metal in your shop will answer.

ANGELO

Sir, sir, I will have law in Ephesus,
To your notorious shame; I doubt it not.

Enter DROMIO of Syracuse, from the bay

DROMIO OF SYRACUSE

Master, there is a bark of Epidamnum
That stays but till her owner comes aboard,
And then, sir, she bears away. Our fraughtage, sir,
I have convey'd aboard; and I have bought
The oil, the balsamum and aqua- vitae.
The ship is in her trim; the merry wind
Blows fair from land: they stay for nought at all
But for their owner, master, and yourself.

OF EPHESUS

How now! a madman! Why, thou peevish sheep,
What ship of Epidamnum stays for me?