Page 1317 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

ACT II IT

Scene I IT

Enter Gaoler and Wooer.

GAOLER
I may depart with little while I live; something I may cast to you, not much.
Alas, the prison I keep, though it be for great ones, yet they seldom come;
before one salmon, you shall take a number of minnows. I am given out to be

better lined than it can appear to [5] me report is a true speaker. I would I
were really that I am delivered to be. Marry, what I have, be it what it will, I
will assure upon my daughter at the day of my death.

WOOER
Sir, I demand no more than your own offer, and [10] I will estate your
daughter in what I have promised.

GAOLER
Well, we will talk more of this when the solemnity is past. But have you a full

promise of her? When that shall be seen, I tender my consent.

Enter Gaoler’s Daughter with rushes.

WOOER
I have, sir. Here she comes. [15]

GAOLER
Your friend and I have chanced to name you here, upon the old business; but
no more of that now. So soon as the court hurry is over we will have an end

of it. I’th’meantime look tenderly to the two prisoners; I can tell you they are
princes. [20]