Page 1459 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

To house or housekeeping. Then at my farm
I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail, [350]
Six score fat oxen standing in my stalls,
And all things answerable to this portion.
Myself am struck in years, I must confess,
And if I die tomorrow this is hers,
If whilst I live she will be only mine. [355]

T RANIO

That ‘only’ came well in. Sir, list to me:
I am my father’s heir and only son.
If I may have your daughter to my wife,
I’ll leave her houses three or four as good,
Within rich Pisa walls, as any one [360]
Old Signor Gremio has in Padua,
Besides two thousand ducats by the year
Of fruitful land, all which shall be her jointure.
What, have I pinch’d you, Signor Gremio?

GREMIO

Two thousand ducats by the year of land! [365]
[Aside.] My land amounts not to so much in all. -
That she shall have, besides an argosy
That now is lying in Marseilles road.
What, have I chok’d you with an argosy?

T RANIO

Gremio, ’tis known my father hath no less [370]
Than three great argosies, besides two galliasses
And twelve tight galleys. These I will assure her,
And twice as much whate’er thou off’rest next.

GREMIO

Nay, I have offer’d all, I have no more,
And she can have no more than all I have. [375]
If you like me, she shall have me and mine.

T RANIO

Why, then the maid is mine from all the world
By your firm promise. Gremio is outvied.