[38] _Conster_,] i. e. _understand_. This word (a corruption of _construe_), so frequently heard among the common people, has not found a place in any dictionary that I have met with. [39] _Pash_,] i. e. _to strike a thing with such force as to dash it to pieces_. The word is now obsolete; which is to be regretted, as we have none that can adequately supply its place: it is used in its proper sense by Dryden, which is the latest instance I recollect: "Thy cunning engines have with labour raised My heavy anger, like a mighty weight, To fall and _pash_ thee." GIFFORD. SCENE III. _A Hall in_ DOROTHEA'_s House, with a gallery above_. _Enter_ DOROTHEA, MACRINUS, _and_ ANGELO. _Dor._ My trusty Angelo, with that curious eye Of thine, which ever waits upon my business, I prithee watch those my still-negligent servants, That they perform my will, in what's enjoined them To the good of others. Be careful, my dear boy. _Ang._ Yes, my sweetest mistress. [_Exit._ _Dor._ Now, sir, you may go on. _Mac._ I then must study A new arithmetic, to sum up the virtues Which Antoninus gracefully become. There is in him so much man, so much goodness, So much of honour, and of all things else, Which make our being excellent, that from his store He can enough lend others; yet, much ta'en from him, The want shall be as little, as when seas Lend from their bounty, to fill up the poorness Of needy rivers. _Dor._ Sir, he is more indebted To you for praise, than you to him that owes[40] it. _Mac._ If queens, viewing his presents paid to the whiteness Of your chaste hand alone, should be ambitious But to be parted[41] in their numerous shares; This he counts nothing: could you see main armies Make battles in the quarrel of his valour, That 'tis the best, the truest; this were nothing: The greatness of his state, his father's voice, And arm, awing Cæsarea, he ne'er boasts of; The sunbeams which the emperor throws upon him Shine there but as in water, and gild him Not with one spot of pride: no, dearest beauty, All these, heap'd up together in one scale, Cannot weigh down the love he bears to you, Being put into the other. _Dor._ Could gold buy you To speak thus for a friend, you, sir, are worthy Of more than I will number; and this your language Hath power to win upon another woman, 'Top of whose heart the feathers of this world Are gaily stuck: but all which first you named, And now this last, his love, to me are nothing. _Mac._ You make me a sad messenger;--but himself _Enter_ ANTONINUS. Being come in person, shall, I hope, hear from you Music more pleasing. _Anton._ Has your ear, Macrinus, Heard none, then? _Mac._ None I like.