_Muf._ Why honey bird, I bought him on purpose for thee: didst thou not say, thou longedst for a Christian slave? _Joh._ Ay, but the sight of that loathsome creature has almost cured me; and how can I tell that he is a christian? an he were well searched, he may prove a Jew, for aught I know. And, besides, I have always longed for an eunuch; for they say that's a civil creature, and almost as harmless as yourself, husband.--Speak, fellow, are not you such a kind of peaceable thing? _Ant._ I was never taken for one in my own country; and not very peaceable neither, when I am well provoked. _Muf._ To your occupation, dog; bind up the jessamines in yonder arbour, and handle your pruning-knife with dexterity: tightly I say, go tightly to your business; you have cost me much, and must earn it in your work. Here's plentiful provision for you, rascal; salading in the garden, and water in the tank, and on holidays the licking of a platter of rice, when you deserve it. _Joh._ What have you been bred up to, sirrah? and what can you perform, to recommend you to my service? _Ant._ [_Making Legs._] Why, madam, I can perform as much as any man, in a fair lady's service. I can play upon the flute, and sing; I can carry your umbrella, and fan your ladyship, and cool you when you are too hot; in fine, no service, either by day or by night, shall come amiss to me; and, besides I am of so quick an apprehension, that you need but wink upon me at any time to make me understand my duty. [_She winks at him._]--Very fine, she has tipt the wink already. [_Aside._ _Joh._ The whelp may come to something in time, when I have entered him into his business. _Muf._ A very malapert cur, I can tell him that; I do not like his fawning--You must be taught your distance, sirrah. [_Strikes him._ _Joh._ Hold, hold. He has deserved it, I confess; but, for once, let his ignorance plead his pardon; we must not discourage a beginner. Your reverence has taught us charity, even to birds and beasts:--here, you filthy brute, you, take this little alms to buy you plasters. [_Gives him a piece of money._ _Ant._ Money, and a love-pinch in the inside of my palm into the bargain. [_Aside._ _Enter a Servant._ _Serv._ Sir, my lord Benducar is coming to wait on you, and is already at the palace gate. _Muf._ Come in, Johayma; regulate the rest of my wives and concubines, and leave the fellow to his work. _Joh._ How stupidly he stares about him, like a calf new come into the world! I shall teach you, sirrah, to know your business a little better. This way, you awkward rascal; here lies the arbour; must I be shewing you eternally? [_Turning him about._ _Muf._ Come away, minion; you shall shew him nothing.