_Ul._ Fair, honoured daughter of a famous king, I have no story worthy of thine ear, Being but a poor artificer of Smyrna, Where many years I wrought, and ye shall see Not without skill, in silver and in gold. But happiness hath wrecked me, and I say ’Tis ill to marry young; for from that joy I gat a son, who as the time went on, 910 Grew to be old and gray and wise as I; And bettering much the art which I had taught him Longed to be master in my place, for which He grew unkind, and his sons hated me: And when one day he wished me dead, I feared Lest I should kill myself; and so that night I made me up a pack of little things He should not grieve for, and took ship for Greece. There have I trafficked, lady, a year and more, And kept myself alive hawking small ware 920 From place to place, and on occasion found A market for my jewels, and be come here Making the round of the isles in any ship That chances: and this last I came aboard At Andros, where I was: but whence she hailed I have even forgot. May it please thee see my wares? _Deid._ Thy tale is very sad. I am sorry for thee. Why would thy son, being as thou sayst so skilled, Not ply his trade apart? _Ul._ My house in Smyrna Was head of all the goldsmiths: ’twas for that, 930 Lady, he envied me. See now my wares. _Deid._ What beauteous work! I’m glad thou’rt come. I’ll buy A trinket for myself, and let my maids Choose each what she may fancy. Hear ye, girls? I’ll make a gift to each. _Ch._ O thanks.—To all?— And may we choose? _Deid._ Yes. _Ch._ Anything we please? _Deid._ Why, that is choosing. _Ch._ O we thank thee. _Ul._ Now I see, princess, thou’rt of a bounteous blood, To make all round thee happy. _Deid._ What is this brooch? _Ul._ If for thyself thou fancy a brooch, I’ll show thee The best jewel in my box, and not be shamed 941 To say I have no better. _Ch._ See, oh, see! What lovely things!—A rare old man! _Ul._ Here ’tis. What thinkest thou? _Deid._ Is’t not a ruby? _Ul._ And fine! _Deid._ I think thy son will have missed this. _Ul._ Nay, lady: I had it of a sailor, who, poor fool, Knew not its worth; and thou mayst buy it of me For half its value. _Deid._ May I take these two To view them nearly? _Ul._ All take as ye will. Ye do me honour, ladies.