Mercator, or The Merchant (412-440c)

Why, faith, you say what’s just, and I agree with you. But what shall be done with her now?

Exactly; I’ll buy for your mother some stout wench of a female slave, not a bad servant, but of ungainly figure,

as befits the mistress of a family—either a Syrian or an Egyptian woman: she shall do the grinding, spin out the yarn, and stand a lashing; and on her account no disgrace at all will be befalling our doors.

What then if she is restored to the person of whom she was purchased?

By no means in the world.

He said that he would take her back, if she didn’t suit.

There’s no need of that;

I don’t want you to get into litigation, nor yet your honor to be called in question. I’ troth, I would much rather, if any must be endured, put up with the loss myself, than that disgrace or scandal on account of a woman should be brought upon my house. I think that I am able to sell for you at a good profit.

I’ faith, so long, indeed, as you don’t be selling her at a less price than I bought her at, father.

Do you only hold your tongue; there is a certain old gentleman who commissioned me to buy one for him of just that same appearance.

But, father, a certain young man commissioned me to buy one for him of just that same appearance that she is of.

I think that I am able to dispose of her for twenty minae.

But, if I had chosen, there have been already seven-and-twenty minae offered.

But I—

Nay, but I, I say—

But you don’t know what I was going to say; do hold your tongue. I can add three minae even to that, so that there will be thirty.

What are you turning yourself towards?

Towards him who’s making the purchase.

Why, where in the world is this person?

Look there, I see him[*], yonder (pointing); he’s bidding me even still to add five minae.

By my troth, may the Gods send a curse upon him, whoever he is!

There he is again, making a sign to me, even still, for me to add six minae.

My man is bidding seven minae,

for her, full weight, father.

I’ faith, he shall never this day outdo me.

He’s bidding in vain; I will have her!

But the other one made the first offer.

I care nothing for that.

He bids fifty.

No, a hundred’s the offer. Can’t you desist from bidding against the determination of my mind. I’ troth, you’ll be having an immense profit, in such a way is this old gentleman for whom she’s being purchased. He’s not in his senses by reason of his love; whatever you ask, you’ll get.