SCENE IX.

CRICCA, LELIO, ANTONIO.

CRI. 'Tis but lost labour to dissuade his dulness. Believe me, that's your father.

LEL. When I drove him hence, Spite of my blood, his reverend countenance Struck me t' a deep compassion. To clear all, I'll ask one question. Signior Antonio, What money took you when you went your voyage?

ANT. As I remember, fourscore and fifteen pound In Barbary gold. Had Lucio kept his word, I had carried just a hundred.

LEL. Pardon me, father; 'Twas my blind ignorance, not want of duty, That wrong'd you; all was intended for a farmer, Whom an astrologer, they said, transform'd.

ANT. How, an astrologer?

LEL. When you parted hence, It seems you promis'd Flavia to Pandolfo. News of your death arriving, th' old gentleman Importunes me to second what you purpos'd. Consulting therefore with my friends and kindred: Loth my young sister should be buried quick I' th' grave of threescore years; by their advice I fully did deny him. He chafes and storms, And finds at length a cunning man, that promis'd To turn his farmer to your shape, and thus Possess your house, and give him Flavia: Whereof I, warn'd, wrong'd you instead of Trincalo.

ANT. Then hence it came they call'd me Trincalo, And talk'd of an astrologer; which names Almost enrag'd me past myself and senses. 'Tis true I promis'd, but have oft repented it; And much more since he goes about to cheat me. He must not have her, sir.

LEL. I am glad y' are so resolv'd. And since with us you find that match unequal, Let's all entreat you to bestow your daughter Upon his son Eugenio.

ANT. Son, at your pleasure, Dispose of Flavia with my full consent.

LEL. And as you judge him worthy your daughter Flavia, Think me no less of his Sulpitia.

ANT. I do, and ever had desire to match Into that family; and now I find myself Old, weak, unfit for marriage, you shall enjoy her, If I can work Pandolfo by entreaty.

CRI. To deal with him with reason and entreaties, Is to persuade a madman: for his love Makes him no less. All speeches opposite T' his fix'd desire and love-corrupted judgment Seem extreme fooleries. Will he consent To give his daughter to your son, and you Deny him Flavia? Shall Eugenio Expect or land or love from old Pandolfo, Being his open rival? 'Tis impossible. He sought to cosen you; therefore resolve To pay him in's own money. Be but advis'd By my poor counsel, and one stroke shall cut The root of his designs, and with his arrows Strike his own plot so dead, that ev'n Albumazar, With all his stars and instruments, shall never Give it fresh motion.

ANT. Cricca, to thy direction We yield ourselves; manage us at thy pleasure.

LEL. Speak quickly, Cricca.

CRI. The ground of all this business Is to catch Trincalo, and lock him fast, Till I release him: next, that no man whisper Th' least word of your return. Then will I home, And with a cheerful look tell my old master, That Trincalo--but stay, look where he comes! Let's in, and there at leisure I'll inform you From point to point. Lelio, detain him here, Till I send Armellina down to second you. Cross him in nothing; call him Antonio, And good enough.

LEL. Fear not: let me alone. [_Exeunt_ CRICCA _and_ ANTONIO.