VEN. It is the sweetest box, That e'er my nose came nigh; The finest drawn-work cuff that e'er was worn; I'll love this blow for ever, and this cheek Shall still henceforward take the wall of this. O, I'm above my tongue: most constant sister, In this thou hast right honourable shown; Many are call'd their[35] honour, that have none; Thou art approv'd for ever in my thoughts. It is not in the power of words to taint thee. And yet for the salvation of my oath, As my resolve in that point, I will lay Hard siege unto my mother, though I know A syren's tongue could not bewitch her so. Mass, fitly here she comes! thanks, my disguise-- Madam, good afternoon. _Enter_ GRATIANA. GRA. Y' are welcome, sir. VEN. The next[36] of Italy commends him to you, Our mighty expectation, the duke's son. GRA. I think myself much honour'd that he pleases To rank me in his thoughts. VEN. So may you, lady: One that is like to be our sudden duke; The crown gapes for him every tide, and then Commander o'er us all; do but think on him. How bless'd were they, now that could pleasure him-- E'en with anything almost? GRA. Ay, save their honour. VEN. Tut, one would let a little of that go too, And ne'er be seen in't--ne'er be seen in't, mark you; I'd wink, and let it go. GRA. Marry, but I would not. VEN. Marry, but I would, I hope; I know you would too, If you'd that blood now, which you gave your daughter. To her indeed 'tis this wheel[37] comes about; That man that must be all this, perhaps ere morning, (For his white father does but mould away), Has long desir'd your daughter. GRA. Desir'd? VEN. Nay, but hear me, He desires now, that will command hereafter: Therefore be wise. I speak as more a friend To you than him: madam, I know you're poor, And, 'lack the day! There are too many poor ladies already; Why should you wax the number? 'tis despis'd. Live wealthy, rightly understand the world, And chide away that foolish country girl Keeps company with your daughter--Chastity. GRA. O fie, fie! the riches of the world cannot hire a mother to such a most unnatural task.