PERICLES PRINCE OF TYRE
Page: 41

and she were a rose indeed, if she had but --

LYSIMACHUS.
What, prithee?

BOULT.
O, sir, I can be modest.

LYSIMACHUS.
That dignifies the renown of a bawd, no less than it gives a good
report to a number to be chaste.

[Exit Boult.]

BAWD.
Here comes that which grows to the stalk; never plucked yet, I
can assure you.

[Re-enter Boult with Marina.]

Is she not a fair creature?

LYSIMACHUS.
'Faith, she would serve after a long voyage at sea. Well, there's
for you: leave us.

BAWD.
I beseech your honour, give me leave: a word, and I'll have done
presently.

LYSIMACHUS.
I beseech you, do.

BAWD.
[To Marina.]
First, I would have you note, this is an honourable man.

MARINA.
I desire to find him so, that I may worthily note him.

BAWD.
Next, he's the governor of this country, and a man whom I am
bound to.

MARINA.
If he govern the country, you are bound to him indeed; but how
honourable he is in that, I know not.

BAWD.
Pray you, without any more virginal fencing, will you use him
kindly? He will line your apron with gold.

MARINA.
What he will do graciously, I will thankfully receive.

LYSIMACHUS.
Ha' you done?

BAWD.
My lord, she's not paced yet: you must take some pains to work
her to your manage. Come, we will leave his honour and her
together. Go thy ways.

[Exeunt Bawd, Pandar, and Boult.]

LYSIMACHUS.
Now, pretty one, how long have you been at this trade?

MARINA.
What trade, sir?

LYSIMACHUS.
Why, I cannot name't but I shall offend.

MARINA.
I cannot be offended with my trade. Please you to name it.

LYSIMACHUS.
How long have you been of this profession?

MARINA.
E'er since I can remember?

LYSIMACHUS.
Did you go to't so young? Were you a gamester at five or at
seven?

MARINA.
Earlier, too, sir, if now I be one.

LYSIMACHUS.
Why, the house you dwell in proclaims you to be a creature of
sale.

MARINA.
Do you know this house to be a place of such resort, and will
come into 't? I hear say you are of honourable parts, and are
the governor of this place.

LYSIMACHUS.