_Tra._ 'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you: 320 'Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.
_Bap._ The gain I seek is, quiet in the match.
_Gre._ No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch. But now, Baptista, to your younger daughter: Now is the day we long have looked for: 325 I am your neighbour, and was suitor first.
_Tra._ And I am one that love Bianca more Than words can witness, or your thoughts can guess.
_Gre._ Youngling, thou canst not love so dear as I.
_Gre._ But thine doth fry. 330 Skipper, stand back: 'tis age that nourisheth.
_Tra._ But youth in ladies' eyes that flourisheth.
_Bap._ Content you, gentlemen: I will compound this strife: 'Tis deeds must win the prize; and he, of both, That can assure my daughter greatest dower 335 Shall have my Bianca's love. Say, Signior Gremio, what can you assure her?
_Gre._ First, as you know, my house within the city Is richly furnished with plate and gold; Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands; 340 My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry; In ivory coffers I have stuff'd my crowns; In cypress chests my arras counterpoints, Costly apparel, tents, and canopies, Fine linen, Turkey cushions boss'd with pearl, 345 Valance of Venice gold in needlework, Pewter and brass and all things that belong To house or housekeeping: then, at my farm I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail, Sixscore fat oxen standing in my stalls, 350 And all things answerable to this portion. Myself am struck in years, I must confess; And if I die to-morrow, this is hers, If whilst I live she will be only mine.
_Tra._ That 'only' came well in. Sir, list to me: 355 I am my father's heir and only son: If I may have your daughter to my wife, I'll leave her houses three or four as good, Within rich Pisa walls, as any one Old Signior Gremio has in Padua; 360 Besides two thousand ducats by the year Of fruitful land, all which shall be her jointure. What, have I pinch'd you, Signior Gremio?
_Gre._ Two thousand ducats by the year of land! My land amounts not to so much in all: 365 That she shall have; besides an argosy That now is lying in Marseilles' road. What, have I choked you with an argosy?
_Tra._ Gremio, 'tis known my father hath no less Than three great argosies; besides two galliasses, 370 And twelve tight galleys: these I will assure her, And twice as much, whate'er thou offer'st next.