_Fior._ And looks as if he were Conning his neck-verse. _Cal._ If I now prove perfect In my A B C of courtship, Calandrino Is made for ever. I am sent--let me see, On a _How d'ye_, as they call 't. _Calam._ What wouldst thou say? _Cal._ Let me see my notes. These are her lodgings; well. _Calam._ Art thou an ass? _Cal._ Peace! thou art a court wagtail, [_Looking on his instructions._ To interrupt me. _Fior_. He has given it you. Cal. _And then say to the illustrious Fi-o-rin-da_-- I have it. Which is she? _Calam._ Why this; fop-doodle. _Cal._ Leave chattering, bull-finch; you would put me out, But 'twill not do.--_Then, after you have made Your three obeisances to her, kneel, and kiss The skirt of her gown._--I am glad it is no worse. _Calam._ This is sport unlook'd for. _Cal._ Are you the princess? _Fior._ Yes, sir. _Cal._ Then stand fair, For I am choleric; and do not nip A hopeful blossom. Out again:--_Three low Obeisances_-- _Fior._ I am ready. _Cal._ I come on, then. _Calam._ With much formality. _Cal._ Umph! One, two, three. [_Makes antic courtesies._ Thus far I am right. Now for the last. [_Kisses the skirt of her gown._]--O, rare! She is perfumed all over! Sure great women, Instead of little dogs, are privileged To carry musk-cats. _Fior._ Now the ceremony Is pass'd, what is the substance? _Cal._ I'll peruse My instructions, and then tell you.--_Her skirt kiss'd, Inform her highness that your lord_---- _Calam._ Who's that? _Cal._ Prince Giovanni, who entreats your grace, That he, with your good favour, may have leave To present his service to you. I think I have nick'd it For a courtier of the first form. _Fior._ To my wonder. _Enter_ GIOVANNI _and a Gentleman_. Return unto the prince--but he prevents My answer. Calaminta, take him off; And, for the neat delivery of his message, Give him ten ducats: such rare parts as yours Are to be cherish'd. _Cal._ We will share: I know It is the custom of the court, when ten Are promised, five is fair. Fie! fie! the princess Shall never know it, so you despatch me quickly, And bid me not come to-morrow. _Calam._ Very good, sir. [_Exeunt_ CALANDRINO _and_ CALAMINTA. _Giov._ Pray you, friend, Inform the duke I am putting into act What he commanded. _Gent._ I am proud to be employ'd, sir. [_Exit._ _Giov._ Madam, that, without warrant, I presume To trench upon your privacies, may argue Rudeness of manners; but the free access Your princely courtesy vouchsafes to all That come to pay their services, gives me hope To find a gracious pardon. _Fior._ If you please, not To make that an offence in your construction, Which I receive as a large favour from you, There needs not this apology.