SCENE II.

_Enter_ CRICCA.

CRI. What do I see? Is not this Trincalo, Transform'd t' Antonio? 'tis: and so perfectly That, did the right Antonio now confront him, I'd swear they both were true, or both were false.

ANT. This man admires the unexpectedness Of my return.

CRI. O wondrous power of stars, And skill of art t' apply't! You that are married May justly fear, lest this astrologer Clothe your wives' servants in your shape, and use you As Jupiter did Amphitryo. You, that are rich, In your own form may lose your gold.

ANT. 'Tis Cricca.

CRI. He seems so just the man he represents, That I dare hardly use him as I purpos'd.

ANT. Cricca, well-met; how fares my friend Pandolfo?

CRI. Your friend Pandolfo! how are your means improv'd, To style familiarly your master friend?

ANT. What say'st thou?

CRI. That I rejoice your worship's safe return

From your late drowning. Th' Exchange hath giv'n you lost, And all your friends worn mourning three months past.

ANT. The danger of the shipwreck I escap'd So desperate was, that I may truly say I am new-born, not sav'd.

CRI. Ha, ha, ha! through what a grace And goodly countenance the rascal speaks! What a grave portance! could Antonio Himself outdo him? O you notorious villain! Who would have thought thou couldst have thus dissembled?

ANT. How now! a servant thus familiar? Sirrah, Use your companions so: more reverence Becomes you better.

CRI. As though I understood not The end of all this plot and goodly business. Come, I know all. See! this untill'd clod of earth Conceits his mind transform'd as well as body. He wrings and bites his lips for fear of laughing. Ha, ha, ha!

ANT. Why laugh you, sirrah?

CRI. Sirrah, to see thee chang'd So strangely, that I cannot spy an inch Of thy old clownish carcase: ha, ha!

ANT. Laughter proceeds From absurd actions that are harmless.

CRI. Ha, ha, ha! Sententious blockhead!

ANT. And y' are ill-advis'd To jest instead of pity. Alas! my miseries, Dangers of death, slav'ry of cruel Moors And tedious journeys, might have easily alter'd A stronger body, much more this decay'd vessel, Out-worn with age, and broken by misfortunes.

CRI. Leave your set speeches. Go to Antonio's house, Effect your business; for, upon my credit, Th' art so well-turn'd, they dare not but accept thee.

ANT. Where should I hope for welcome, if not there-- From my own house, children, and family?

CRI. Is't possible this coxcomb should conceive His mind transform'd? How gravely he continues The countenance he began! ha, ha! Why, blockhead, Think'st to deceive me too? Why, Trincalo!

ANT. I understand you not. Hands off.

CRI. Art not thou Trincalo, Pandolfo's man?

ANT. I not so much as know him.

CRI. Dar'st thou deny't to me?

ANT. I dare, and must To all the world, long as Antonio lives.

CRI. You arrant ass! have I not known thee serve My master in his farm this thirteen years?

ANT. By all the oaths that bind men's consciences To truth, I am Antonio, and no other.