Information prepared by the Project Gutenberg legal advisor 47
hangings all of Tyrian tapestry; In ivory coffers I have stuff ' d my crowns; In cypress chests my arras counterpoints, Costly apparel, tents, and canopies, Fine linen, Turkey cushions boss ' d with pearl, Valance of Venice gold in needle-work; Pewter and brass, and all things that belong To house or housekeeping: then, at my farm I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail, 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 to-morrow this is hers, If whilst I live she will be only mine.
TRANIO. 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 ' s walls as any one Old Signior 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, Signior Gremio?
GREMIO. Two thousand ducats by the year of land! 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?
TRANIO. Gremio, ' tis known my father hath no less Than three great argosies, besides two galliasses, And twelve tight galleys; these I will assure her, And twice as much, whate ' er thou offer ' st next.
GREMIO. Nay, I have offer ' d all; I have no more; And she can have no more than all I have; If you like me, she shall have me and mine.
TRANIO. Why, then the maid is mine from all the world, By your firm promise; Gremio is out-vied.
BAPTISTA. I must confess your offer is the best; And let your father make her the assurance, She is your own; else, you must pardon me; If you should die before him, where ' s her dower?
TRANIO. That ' s but a cavil; he is old, I young. GREMIO. And may not young men die as well as old?