+Gas.+ I thank my stars he has improv'd his time To the best use, can render an account Of all his journey; how he has arriv'd, Through strange discoveries and compendious ways, To a most perfect knowledge of himself; Can give a model of each prince's court, And is become their pheer.[303] He has a mind Equally pois'd, and virtue without sadness; Hunts not for fame through an ill path of life; But is indeed, for all parts, so accomplish'd As I could wish or frame him. +Lor.+ These are joys, In their relation to you, so transcendant, As than yourself I know no man more happy. May I not see your son? +Gas.+ See where he stands, Accompanied with young Lionel, the nephew To Veterano the great antiquary. +Lor.+[304] I'll be bold, by your favour, to endear Myself in his acquaintance. Noble Petrucio, Darling of Venus, minion of the Graces, Let me adopt me heir unto your love: That is, yours by descent, and which your father, A grave wise man, and a magnifico, Has not disdain'd. +Pet.+ I am much bound to you for it. +Lor.+ Is that all? +Pet.+ See the abundant ignorance of this age! he cites my father for a precedent. Alas! he is a good old man, and no more; there he stands, he has not been abroad, nor known the world; therefore, I hope, will not be so foolishly peremptory to compare with me for judgment, that have travelled, seen fashions, and been a man of intelligence. +Lor.+ Signior, your ear; pray, let's counsel you. +Pet.+ Counsel me! the like trespass again; sure, the old man doats! Who counselled me abroad, when I had none but mine own natural wisdom for my protection? Yet I dare say I met with more perils, more variety of allurements, more Circes, more Calypsos, and the like, than e'er were feigned[305] upon Ulysses. +Lor.+ It show'd great wisdom that you could avoid them. Give o'er, and tempt your destiny no further; 'Tis time now to retire unto yourself: Settle your mind upon some worthy beauty; A wife will tame all wild affections. I have a daughter who, for youth and beauty, Might be desir'd, were she ignobly born; And for her dowry, that shall no way part you. If you accept her, here, before your friends, I will betroth her to you. +Pet.+ I thank you, sir, you'd have me marry your daughter; is it so? +Lor.+ With your good liking, not otherwise. +Pet.+ You nourish too great an ambition. What do you see in me to make such a motion? No, be wise, and keep her; were I married to her, I should not like her above a month at most. +Lor.+ How! not above a month?