Act II, Scene I

Enter EUNOMIA and MEGADORUS, from their house.

EUN. I could wish you, brother, to think that I utter these words by reason of my own regard and your welfare, as is befitting your own sister to do. Although I'm not unaware that we women are accounted troublesome; for we are all of us deservedly considered very talkative, and, in fact, they say at the present day that not a single woman has been found dumb in any age. Still, brother, do you consider this one circumstance, that I am your nearest relation, and you in like manner are mine. How proper it is that I should counsel and advise you, and you me, as to what we may judge for the interest of each of us; and for it not to be kept concealed or kept silence upon through apprehension, but rather that I should make you my confidant, and you me in like manner. For that reason,- now, have I brought you here apart out of doors, that I might here discourse with you upon your private concerns.

MEG. Best of women, give me your hand. (Takes her hand.)

EUN. (looking about). Where is she? Who, pray, is this best of women?

MEG. Yourself.

EUN. Do you say so?

MEG. If you say no, I say no.

EUC. Indeed, it's right that the truth should be spoken; for the best of women can nowhere be found; one is only worse than another, brother.

MEG. I think the same, and I'm determined never to contradict you on that point, sister. What do you wish?

EUN. Give me your attention, I beg of you.

MEG. 'Tis at your service; use and command me, please, if you wish for aught.

EUN. A thing that I consider very greatly for your advantage I'm come to recommend you.

MEG. Sister, you are doing after your usual manner.

EUN. I wish it were done.

MEG. What is it, sister?

EUN. That you may enjoy everlasting blessings in being the father of children.

MEG. May the Gods so grant it.

EUN. I wish you to bring home a wife.

MEG. Ha! I'm undone.

EUN. How so?

MEG. Because, sister, your words are knocking out the brains of unfortunate me; you are speaking stones.

EUN. Well, well, do this that your sister requests you.

MEG. If she requests me, I will do it.

EUN. 'Tis for your own interest.

MEG. Yes, for me to die before I marry. Let her who comes here to-morrow, be carried out of the house the day after, sister; on that condition, give me her whom you wish to give; get ready the nuptials.

EUN. I am able, brother, to provide you with a wife with a very large marriage-portion. But she's somewhat aged; she's of the middle-age of woman. If you request me, brother, to ask her for you, I'll ask her.

MEG. Would you like me to ask you a question?

EUN. Yes, if you like, ask it.

MEG. Suppose any old man, past mid-age, brings home a middle-aged wife, if by chance he should have a child by this old woman, do you doubt at all but that the name of that child is Posthumus, all prepared? Now, sister, I'll remove and lessen this labour for you. I, by the merits of the Gods and of my forefathers, am rich enough; these high families, naughty pride, bountiful portions, acclamations, imperiousness, vehicles inlaid with ivory, superb mantles and purple, I can't abide, things that by their extravagance reduce men to slavery.

EUN. Tell me, pray, who is she whom you would like to take for a wife?

MEG. I'll tell you. Do you know that Euclio, the poor old man close by?

EUN. I know him; not a bad sort of man, i' faith.

MEG. I'd like his maiden daughter to be promised me in marriage. Don't make any words about it, sister; I know what you are going to say; that she's poor. This poor girl pleases me.

EUN. May the Gods prosper it.

MEG. I hope the same.

EUN. What do you want me now for? Do you wish for anything?

MEG. Farewell.

EUN. And you the same, brother. (Goes into the house.)

MEG. I'll go meet Euclio, if he's at home. But, see! the very person is betaking himself home, whence, I know not.