1. CEL. __ Pármeno hijo, después de las passadas razones,   no he hauido oportuno tiempo   para te dezir y mostrar el mucho amor, que te tengo   y asimismo cómo de mi boca todo el mundo ha oydo hasta agora en absencia bien de ti.   La razón no es menester repetirla,   porque yo te tenía por hijo,   a lo menos quasi adotiuo y assí que imitavas a natural;   y tú dasme el pago en mi presencia,   paresciéndote mal quanto digo,   susurrando y murmurando contra mí en presencia de Calisto. Bien pensaua yo que, después que   concediste en mi buen consejo,   que no hauías de tornarte atrás.   Todavía me parece que te quedan reliquias vanas,   hablando por antojo, más que por razón.   Desechas el prouecho por contentar la lengua.   Oyeme, si no me has oydo,   y mira que soy vieja y el buen consejo mora en los viejos   y de los mancebos es propio el deleyte.   Bien creo que de tu yerro sola la edad tiene culpa.

CELEST. Parmeno, my son; since we last talked  together, I have not had any fit opportunity to  express unto thee the infiniteness of that love which  I bear unto thee, and as all the world can well  witness for me,  how well I have spoken of thee in  thy absence. Every man's ear hath been filled with the good reports I have made of thee. The reason thereof I need not to repeat; for I ever held thee to be my son, at least, by adoption; and therefore thought  thou wouldst have showed thyself more natural  and loving towards me.  But instead thereof, thou  gav'st me bad payment, even to my face;  crossing, whatsoever I said; thinking ill of all that I spake;  whispering and murmuring against me in the presence of Calisto. I was well persuaded, that after though hadst  once yielded to my good counsel, that you would not  have turned your heel, and kicked against me as you  did, nor have fallen off from your promise. But  notwithstanding all this, I perceive some old relic  yet still remaining of thy former folly. And so,  speaking rather to satisfy thine own humour, than that thou canst render any reason for it; thou dost  hinder thyself of profit, to give thy tongue  contentment. Hear me (my son) if thou hast not heard me already. Look,  I say, and consider with thyself, that I am old,  and well stricken in  years; and good counsel only lodgeth with the elder  sort, it being proper to youth, to follow  pleasure  and delight. But my hope is, that of this thy error, thy youth only is in fault: and I trust that you will bear yourself better towards me hereafter, and that you will alter your ill purpose, together with your tender years; For as it is in the Proverb: Our customs suffer chang, together with our hairs; and we vary our disposition, as we vary our years. I speak this (my son) because as we grow in age,  so grow we in experience; new things daily offering themselves  to our view: for youth looks no farther than to things  present, occupying his eye only  in that he sees set  before him; but riper years omit neither things present, things past, nor things to come.  

  Si tú touieras memoria, hijo Pármeno,   del pasado amor, que te tuue,   la primera posada, que tomaste venido nueuamente en esta cibdad,   auía de ser la mía.   Pero los moços curays poco de los viejos.   Regisvos a sabor de paladar.   Nunca pensays que teneys ni haveys de tener necessidad dellos.   Nunca pensays en enfermedades.   Nunca pensays que os puede faltar esta florezilla de juuentud. Pues mira, amigo, que para tales necessidades, como   éstas, buen acorro es vna vieja conoscida,   amiga, madre y más que madre,   buen mesón para descansar sano,   buen hospital para sanar enfermo,   buena bolsa para necessidad,   buena arca para guardar dinero en prosperidad,   buen fuego de inuierno rodeado de asadores,   buena sombra de verano, buena tauerna para comer y beuer.   ¿Qué dirás, loquillo, a todo esto?   Bien sé que estás confuso por lo que oy has hablado.   Pues no quiero más de ti.

And son Parmeno, if you would but bethink yourself of the love  I have heretofore borne you, I know it cannot escape  your knowledge, that the first night's lodging that you took, when you were a stranger, and came newly to  this City, was in my house. But you young men care not  for us that are old, but govern yourselves according  to the savour  and relish of your own palates; you  never think that you have, or shall have need of us:  you never think upon sickness; you never think, that this flower of your youth shall fade.  But do you hear me, (my friend)  and mark what I say unto  you; That in such cases of necessity, as these, an  old woman, (be she well experienced) is a good help,  a comforter, a friend, a mother; nay, more than a  mother: A good Inn, to give  ease and rest to a  sound man; and a good Hospital for to cure a sick man;  a good Purse in time of need; a good Chest, to keep  money in prosperity; a good Fire in winter, environed  with spits of good roast-meat; a good Shade in summer,  and a good Tavern to eat and drink in. Now my pretty  little fool, what sayest thou to all this?  What dost though think of it? I know, thou art by this  time ashamed of that which thou hast spoken today;  thou canst not say B to a Battledore; though art  struck so dumb, and so dead: and therefore I will  press thee no further,  nor crave any more at thy  hands, than that which friendship craves of thee, which  is, Look upon Sempronio; next under heaven, myself have made him a man; I could wish you would live and love together as bothers and friends: for being in league with him,  though shalt live in the favour  and love of thy  Master, and  in good repute with all the world: for Sempronio,  I tell thee, is well beloved, he is diligent, a good Courtier, a proper servant, a fellow  of a good fashion, and one that is willing to embrace  thy friendship, which will turn to both your profits,  if you will but handfast your affections to each other. Besides, you know, that you must love, if you will be beloved. Trouts cannot be taken with dry breeches. And if the Cat will have fish, she must wet her foot. Nor does Sempronio owe this of right unto thee; nor is he bound to love thee, unless thou exchange love for love: it is mere simplicity, not to be willing to love, and yet look to be beloved of others. And as great folly, to repay friendship with hatred.

    2. PARM. __ Madre, para contigo digo que mi segundo yerro te confiesso   y, con perdón de lo passado, quiero que ordenes lo por venir.   Pero con Sempronio me paresce que es impossible sostenerse mi amistad.   El es desuariado, yo malsufrido:   conciértame essos amigos.  

PARM.Mother, I confess my second fault; and  craving pardon for what is past, I offer myself to be  ordered by you in  all my future  proceedings.  But yet me thinks it is impossible, that I should hold  friendship with Sempronio;  he is frappish, and I cannot bear;  he is choleric, and I can carry no coles. How then is it possible to make a true  contract betwixt two such contrary natures?  

    3. CEL. __ Pues no era essa tu condición.  

CELEST.But you were not wont to be thus  forward.  

    4. PARM. __ A la mi fe, mientra más fué creciendo, más la primera paciencia me oluidaua.   No soy el que solía y assimismo Sempronio no ay ni tiene en que me aproueche.  

PARM.In good fay (mother) you say true.  But the more I grow in years, the less I grow in  patience;  Tush, I have forgotten that lesson, as if  I had never known what it meant; I am (I  confess) [not] the man I was, nor is Sempronio himself;  neither can he, nor will he stead me in anything.  I  never yet tasted any the least kindness from him.  

    5. CEL. __ El cierto amigo en la cosa incierta se   conosce,  en las aduersidades se prueua.   Entonces se allega y con más desseo visita la casa,   que la fortuna próspera desamparó.   ¿Qué te diré, fijo, de las virtudes del buen amigo?   No ay cosa más amada ni más rara.   ninguna carga rehusa. Vosotros soys yguales.   La paridad de las costumbres y la semejança de los coraçones es la que más la sostiene.   Cata, hijo, que, si algo tienes, guardado se te está.   Sabe tú ganar más, que aquello ganado lo fallaste.   buen siglo aya aquel padre, que lo trabajó.   No se te puede dar hasta que viuas más reposado y vengas en edad complida.

CELEST.A sure friend is known in a doubtful  matter; and in adversity is  his faith proved. Then  comes he nearest unto him,  when he is farthest from comfort; and with greater desire doth he then visit  his house, when as prosperous fortune hath forsaken it.  What shall I say unto thee, Son, of the virtues of a  good  and fast friend? There is nothing more to be  beloved; nothing more rare: he refuseth no burden. You  two are equals, and parity  of persons, similitude  of manners, and sympathy of hearts are the main props  that uphold friendship. Take heed (my son;) for if thou  hast anything, it is safely kept for thee. Be thou  wise to gain more; for this is gained already to your  hands. Your father, O what pains took he for it! But I  may not put it into your hands, till you lead a more  reposed life, and come to a more complete  and full  age.  

    6. PARM. __ ¿A qué llamas reposado, tía?  

PARM.Mother, what do you call a reposed life?  

    7. CEL. __ Hijo, a viuir por ti,   a no andar por casas agenas,   lo qual siempre andarás, mientra no te supieres aprouechar de tu seruicio.   Que de lástima, que houe de verte roto, pedí oy manto, como viste, a Calisto.   No por mi manto; pero porque, estando el sastre en casa y tú delante sin sayo, te le diesse.   assí que, no por mi prouecho, como yo sentí que dixiste; más por el tuyo.   Que si espera; al ordinario galardón destos galanes,   es tal, que lo que en diez años sacarás   atarás en la manga. Goza tu   mocedad,  el buen día, la buena noche, el buen comer o beuer.   quando pudieres hauerlo, no lo dexes.   Piérdase lo que se perdiere.   No llores tú la fazienda,   que tu amo heredó,   que esto te lleuarás deste mundo,   pues no le tenemos más de por nuestra vida.   ¡O hijo mio Pármeno¡Que

CELEST.Mary son, to live of yourself. Not to  go through other men's houses,  nor to set thy foot  under another man's table; which thou shalt still be  enforced to do, unless thou learn to make profit of  thy service; for out of very pity to see, thee go thus  tattered  and torn, not having a rag almost to hang  on thy breech, did I beg that mantle which though  saw'st, of Calisto, not so much for the mantle's sake,  as for that there being a Tailor belonging to the  house, and thou before being without a Jerkin, he might bestow it upon thee. So that I speak not for mine own  profit, (as I heard you say) but of they good. For, if you rely only upon the ordinary wages of these Gallant, it is such, that what you get by it after ten years service, you may put it in your  eye and  never see the worse. Enjoy thy youth, good days,  good nights, good meat and good drink; when thou  mayest have these things, lose them not; Let that be  lost that will be lost. Do not thou mourn for the wealth which was left thy Master (for that will but  shorten thy days) sithence we can enjoy it no longer  than we live. O Son Parmeno, (and well may I call thee  son, since I had the breeding of thee so long a time) follow my counsel, seeing it proceeds out of  pure love, and an earnest desire, to see thee grow up in  honour. O! how happy should I be, might I but see  thee and Sempronio agree; see you two friends, and  sworn brothers in everything, that ye may come to my  poor house to be merry, and to see me  now and  then, and to take your pleasure each of  you with his Wench!  

    8. PARM. __ ¿Mochachas, madre mia?  

PARM.His Wench, mother?  

    9. CEL. __ ¡Alahé! Mochachas, digo; que viejas, harto me soy yo.   qual se la tiene Sempronio   y avn sin hauer tanta razón ni tenerle tanta afición como a ti.   Que de las entrañas me sale quanto te digo.  

CELEST.Ay, his Wench; and a young one too: As  for old flesh, myself am old enough, and such a wench  as Sempronio would be glad of with all his heart, with  t'one half of that regard and affection which I show  to thee. What I speak, comes from my entrails, and  the very bowels of me.  

    10. PARM. __ Señora, ¿No viues engañada?  

PARM.Mother, you shall not be deceived in me.  

    11. CEL. __ Y avnque lo viua, no me pena mucho,   que también lo hago por amor de Dios   y por verte solo en tierra agena   y más por aquellos huessos de quien te me encomendó. Que tú serás   hombre y vernás en buen conocimiento y verdadero   y dirás: la vieja Celestina bien me consejaua.  

CELEST.And if I should, the matter is not great; For what I do, I do for charity, and for that I see thee here alone in a strange Land, and for the respect which I bear unto those bones of her, who recommended thee unto me. When you are more man, you  will think of all this, and come to a truer knowledge  of things, and then thou wilt say, that old Celestina  gave me good counsel.  

    12. PARM. __ Y avn agora lo siento; avnque soy moço.   Que, avnque oy veyas que aquello dezía,   no era porque me pareciesse mal lo que tú fazías;   pero porque veya que le consejaua yo lo cierto   y me daua malas gracias.   Pero de aquí delante demos tras él.   Faz de las tuyas, que yo callaré.   Que ya tropecé en no te creer cerca deste negocio con él.  

PARM.I know that as well now, though I am but  young,  as if I were elder: and howbeit I spoke against you today, it was not because I thought that  to be ill spoken which you said; but because I saw,  when I  told my Master the truth, and advised him  for the best, he ill entreated me, and therefore  henceforth let us  shake hands, and use him accordingly; do what thou wilt unto him, I will hold  my peace; for I have already too much offended, in not  crediting thee in this business concerning him.  

    13. CEL. __ Cerca deste y de otros tropeçarás y caerás,   mientra no tomares mis consejos,   que son de amiga verdadera.  

CELEST.In this and all other, though shalt not  only trip, but fall, as long as thou shalt not take  my counsel with thee, which comes from thy true  and  faithful friend.  

    14. PARM. __ Agora doy por bienempleado el tiempo,   que siendo niño te seruí,   pues tanto fruto trae para la mayor edad.   y rogaré a Dios por el ánima de mi padre,   que tal tutriz me dexó   y de mi madre, que tal muger me encomendó.  

PARM.Now, I bless the time wherein I served  thee,  counting those days happy, under which thou  bredst me up of a child, since old age brings with it  such store of fruit

    15. CEL. __ No me la nombres, fijo, por Dios,   que se me hinchen los ojos de agua.   ¿Y tuue yo en este mundo otra tal amiga?   ¿Otra tal compañera?   ¿Tal aliuiadora de mis trabajos y fatigas?   ¿Quién suplía mis faltas?? Quién sabía   mis secretos?   ¿Quién descubría mi coraçón?   ¿Quién era todo mi bien y descanso,   sino tu madre, más que mi hermana y comadre?   ¡O qué graciosa era¡   ¡O qué desembuelta, limpia, varonil!   Tan sin pena ni temor se andaua a media noche de cimenterio en cimenterio,   buscando aparejos para nuestro oficio, como de día.   Ni dexava christianos ni moros ni judíos, cuyos enterramientos no visitaua.   De día los acechaua, de noche los desterraua.

CELEST.Son,  no more. For mine eyes already run over,  and  my tears begin to break over those banks, which should  bound them in. O! had I in all this world, but such another friend? Such another companion? Such a comfortress in my troubles?   Such an easer, and  lightener of my heart's heaviness? Who did supply my  wants? Who knew my secrets? To whom did I discover my  heart? Who was all my happiness, and quietness, but thy  mother? She was nearer and dearer unto me, than my  gossip, or mine own sister. O! how well-favoured was  she, and cheerful of countenance?   How lusty? How quick? How neat?   How portly and majestical in her  gait? How stout and manly? Why, she would go you at  midnight without or pain, or fear, from Churchyard, to Churchyard, seeking for implements appertaining to our  Trade, as if it had been day. Nor did she omit either  Christians, Moors, or Jews, whose Graves and  Sepulchers she did not visit. By day she would watch  them, and by night she would dig them out; taking  such things as should serve her turn. So that she  took as great pleasure in darkness of the night, as  thou dost comfort in the brightness of the day. She  would usually say; that the night was the sinful man's  cloak,  that did hide and cover all his rogueries,  that they might not be seen, though perhaps she had not the like [in] dexterity and skill in all the rest of those tricks  that appertained to her Trade: yet  one thing shall I tell thee, because thou shall see  what a mother though hast lost, though I was about to  keep it in; but  it makes no matter, it shall out  to thee. She did pull out seven teeth out of a  fellow's head that was hanged, with a pair of Pincers,  such as you pull out stubbed hairs withall, whilst I  did pull off his shoes. She was excellent at a Circle,  and would enter it far better than myself, and with  greater boldness, though I also was very famous for it  in those days, more I wise, than I am now; who have together with her, lost almost my cunning. What shall I say more unto thee, but that the very Devils themselves did live in fear of her? She did hold them in horror, and dread, making them to tremble and quake, when she began to exercise her exorcisms, her spells, her incantations, her charms, her conjurations, and other words of most horrisonous roaring, and most hideous noise. She was as well known to them all, as the begger knows his dish; or as theyself in thine own hosue On Devil coming tumbling in upon the neck of another, as fast, as it pleased her to call them up, and not one of them darest tell her a lie; such power had she to bind them: so that ever since she died, I could never attain to the truth of any thing.

    16. PARM. __ No la medre Dios más a esta vieja,   que ella me da plazer con estos loores de sus palabras.  

PARM.May this woman no better thrive, than she  pleaseth me with those her wordy praises.  

    17. CEL. __ ¿Qué dizes, mi honrrado Pármeno, mi hijo y más que hijo?  

CELEST.What sayest though, my honest Parmeno?  My son, nay, more than my son.  

    18. PARM. __ Digo que ¿ Cómo tenía esa ventaja mi madre,   pues las palabras que ella y tú dezíades eran todas vnas?  

PARM.I say, How should it come to pass, that  my other should have this advantage of you, being the  words which she and you spoke, were both one?  

    19. CEL. __ ¿Cómo?? y deso te marauillas?? No sabes que dize el refrán que mucho va de Pedro   a Pedro?   aquella gracia de mi comadre no la alcançábamos todas.   ¿No has visto en los oficios vnos buenos y otros mejores?   assí era tu madre, que Dios aya,   la prima de nuestro oficio   y por tal era de todo el mundo conocida y querida,   assí de caualleros como clérigos,   casados, viejos, moços y niños.   ¿Pues moças y donzellas? Assí rogauan a Dios por su vida,   como de sus mismos padres.   Con todos tenía quehazer,   con todos fablaua.   Si salíamos por la calle,   quantos topáuamos eran sus ahijados.   Que fue su principal oficio partera diez y seys años.   Así que, avnque tu no sabías sus secretos,

CELEST.How? Make you this so great a wonder?  Know you not, the Proverb tells us: That there is a  great deal of difference betwixt Peter and Peter?  Trust me truly, we cannot all be alike in all. We  cannot all of us attain to those good  gifts and  graces of my deceased Gossip. And have not you  yourself seen amongst your Artisans some good, and some others better than they? So likewise was it betwixt  me and your mother. She was the only woman in our Art,  she had not her fellow: and for such a one was she  of all the world both known and sought after, as well  of Cavalleros, as married men, old men, young men, and  children, besides Maids and Damsels, who did as  earnestly pray for her life, as for that of their own  fathers and mothers. She had to do with all manner of persons; she talked with all sorts of people. If we walked the streets, as many as we met, they were all  of them her Godsons. For her chiefest profession for  some sixteen years together, was  to play the  Midwife: so that albeit thou knew'st not these  secrets, because thou wast then but young, now it is  fit that thou should'st know them, sithence that she  is dead, and thou grown up to be a man.  

    20. PARM. __ Dime, señora, cuando la justicia te mandó prender,   estando yo en tu casa,   ¿Teníades mucho conocimiento?  

PARM. Tell me, mother:  When the Justice sent Officers to apprehend you, at which time I was then in  your house,  was there any great acquaintance between  you?  

    21. CEL. __ ¿Si teníamos me dizes?   ¡Como por burla¡   Juntas lo hizimos, juntas nos sintieron,   juntas nos prendieron y acusaron,   juntas nos dieron la pena essa vez,   que creo que fue la primera.   Pero muy pequeño eras tú.   Yo me espanto cómo te acuerdas,   que es la cosa, que más oluidada está en la cibdad.   cosas son que pasan por el mundo.   Cada día verás quien peque y pague,   si sales a esse mercado.  

CELEST.  Any great acquaintance? You are  disposed to jest. Our cases were both alike; they took  us both alike; they accused us both alike; and they  did punish us both alike, which (if I be not deceived)  was the first punishment that ever we had. But thou wast a little one then. I wonder how thou shouldst remember it; For, it is a thing of all other, the most forgotten, that hath happened in this City; so many, and so daily in this world are those new occurrents, which obliterate the old. If you go but out into  the market-place, you shall every day see, Peque y  Pague, the Peccant and his punishment.  

    22. PARM. __ Verdad es; pero del pecado lo peor es la perseuerancia.   Que assí como el primer mouimiento   no es en mano del hombre,   assí el primer yerro;   donde dizen que quien yerra y se enmienda, etc.  

PARM. It is true, but the worser part of wickedness, is the perseverance therein.

    23. CEL. __ Lastimásteme, don loquillo.   A las verdades nos andamos.   Pues espera, que yo te tocaré donde te duela.  

CELEST.  How deadly the fool bites! He hath  hit me home,  and pricked me to the quick; I will  therefore be now Tom-tell-troth. And assure thyself,  sithence thou hast galled me,  I will wring thee till  I make thee winch and fling; I will tickle thee on  the right vein.  

    24. PARM. __ ¿Qué dizes, madre?  

PARM. What say you mother?  

    25. CEL. __ Hijo, digo que, sin aquélla, prendieron quatro veces a tu madre,   que Dios aya, sola.   y avn la vna la leuantaron que era bruxa,   porque la hallaron de noche con vnas candelillas,   cogiendo tierra de vna encruzijada,   y la touieron medio día en vna escalera en la plaça,   pues vno como rocadero pintado en la cabeça.   Pero cosas son que passan.   Algo han de sofrir los hombres en este triste mundo   para sustentar sus vidas y honrras.   y mira en qué poco lo tuuo con su buen seso,   que ni por esso dexó dende en adelante   de vsar mejor su oficio.   esto ha venido por lo que dezías   del perseuerar en lo que vna vez se yerra.   En todo tenía gracia.   Que en Dios y en mi conciencia,

CELEST. Mary I say, son, that besides this, your  mother was taken four  several times,  she  herself alone: and once she was accused for a Witch; For she was found one night  by the watch, with  certain little candles  in her hand, gathering  I  know not what earth in a cross way; for which she stood half a day in the open market-place upon a Scaffold, with a high paper Hat,  like the coffin of a  Sugar-loaf, painted  full of Devils, whereon her  fault was written (being brought thither, riding  through the streets upon an Ass, as the fashion is in  the punishment of Bawds and Witches.) Yet all this  was nothing; for men must suffer something in this  wicked world, for to uphold their lives, and their  honours. And mark, I pray, what small reckoning they made of it, because of her great wisdom and discretion. For she would not for all this, give over her old occupation; and from that day forward followed it more earnestly, than she did before, and with happier proof. This I thought good to tell you, to cross that opinion of yours, touching perseverance in that, wherein we have once already erred; for all that she did, did so well become her, and such a grace had she with her, that upon my conscience, howbeit she stood thus disgracefully upon the Scaffold, everyone might perceive, that she cared not a button for those that stood beneath, staring and gazing upon her; such was her behavior and carriage at that instant: look they might their fill, but I warrant you, she was not a farthing in debt, no not to the proudest of them all; wherein, I thought fit to instance, to show thereby unto you; that they, who have anything in them as she had, and are wise, and of worth, fall far more easily and sooner into error, than any other. Do but weigh and consider with yourself, what a manner of man Virgil was; how wise in all kind of knowledge; and yet I am sure you have heard, how in a wicker basket he was hung out from a Tower, all Rome looking upon him; yet for all this, was he neither the less honored, neither lost he the name of Virgil.

    26. PARM. __ Verdad es lo que dizes;   pero esso no fue por justicia.  

PARM. That is true which you say; but it was not  enjoined by the Justice.  

    27. CEL. __ ¡Calla, bouo¡Poco sabes de achaque de yglesia   y quánto es mejor por mano de justicia, que de otra manera.   Sabíalo mejor el cura, que Dios aya,   que, viniéndole a consolar, dixo   que la sancta Escriptura   tenía que bienauenturados eran los que padescían persecución por la justicia,   que aquéllos posseerían el reyno de los cielos.   Mira si es mucho passar algo en este mundo   por gozar de la gloria del otro.   y más que, según todos dezían, a tuerto y sin razón y   con falsos testigos y rezios tormentos   la hizieron aquella vez confessar lo que no era.   Pero con su buen esfuerço. y como el coraçón abezado a sofrir   haze las cosas más leues de lo que son,   todo lo tuuo en nada.   Que mill vezes le oya dezir:   si me quebré el pie, fue por mi bien,   porque soy más conoscida que

CELEST. Peace, you fool, thou art ignorant  what  a sinister and coarse kind of Justice was used, and  rigorously executed upon thy mother, to the most  extremity, which, as all men confess, is a mere  injury. And the rather,  because it was commonly spoken of all men, that  wrongfully, and against all right  and reason, by  suborning of false witnesses, and cruel torments, they  enforced her to confess that, which in reality of  truth was not. But because  she was a woman of a great spirit,  and good courage, and her heart had  been accustomed to endure, she made matters lighter  than they were; And of all this, she reckoned not a Pin: for a thousand times have I heard her say; If I  broke my leg, it was all for my good; for this made me  better known that I was before.  And certainly so  she was, and the more noted and respected, nay, and thrived the better by it, both she and I, and the more  plentiful our harvest and incomes of customers of the  best; and we loved and lived merrily together to her last. And be but thou unto me, as she was; that is to  say, a true  and faithful friend; and withall,  endeavor thyself to be good, since thou has so good a  pattern to follow. And for that which thy father left  thee, thou hast it safely kept for thee.  

    28. PARM. __ Bien lo creo, madre; pero querría saber qué tanto es.  

    29. CEL. __ No puede ser agora;   verná tiempo, como te dixe,   para que lo sepas y oyas.  

    30. PARM. __ Agora dexemos los muertos y las herencias;   que si poco me dexaron, poco hallaré;   hablemos en los presentes negocios,   que nos va más que en traer los passados a la memoria.   Bien se te acordará,   no ha mucho que me prometiste me harías hauer a Areusa,   quando en mi casa te dixe cómo moría por sus amores.  

PARM.  Let us now leave talking of the dead, and  of patrimonies, and let us parley of our present  businesses, which concerns us more than to draw things  past unto our remembrance. If you be well remembered,  it is not long since that you promised me, I should  have Areusa, when as I told you at my  Master's  house, that I was ready to die for love;  so fervent  is my affection towards her.  

    31. CEL. __ Si te lo prometí, no lo he oluidado   ni creas que he perdido con los años la memoria.   Que más de tres xaques he rescebido de mí sobre ello en tu absencia.   Ya creo que estará bien madura.   Vamos de camino por casa,   que no se podrá escapar de mate.   Que esto es lo menos, que yo por ti tengo de hazer.  

CELEST.  If I did promise thee, I have not forgot  it; nor would I you should think, that I have lost my  memory with my years. For I have thrice already, and  better, given her the check, concerning this business,  in thy absence; but now I think the matter is grown to  some ripeness. Let us walk towards her house; for now,  do what she can, she shall not avoid the Mate. For  this is the least thing of a thousand, that I will  undertake to do for thee.  

    32. PARM. __ Yo ya desconfiaua de la poder alcançar,   porque jamás podía acabar con ella   que me esperasse a poder dezir vna palabra.   y como dizen, mala señal es de amor huyr y boluer la cara.   Sentía en mí gran desfuzia desto.  

PARM.  I was quite out of hope ever to have her;  for I could never come to any conclusion with her,  no, not to find so much favour, as  but to speak  with her, or to have but a word with her. And as it  is in the proverb: In love it is an ill sign, to see  his Mistress flye, and turn the face. And this did much dishearten me in my suite.  

    33. CEL. __ No tengo en mucho tu desconfiança,   no me conosciendo ni sabiendo, como agora,   que tienes tan de tu mano la maestra destas labores.   Pues agora verás quánto por mi causa vales,   quánto con las tales puedo,   quánto sé en casos de amor.   Anda passo. ¿Ves aquí su puerta? Entremos quedo, no nos sientan sus   vezinas.  Atiende y espera debaxo de desta escalera.   Sobiré yo a uer qué se podrá fazer sobre lo hablado   y por ventura haremos más que tú ni yo traemos pensado.  

CELEST.  I marvel not much at thy discouragement, considering I was then a stranger unto thee; at  least, not so well acquainted with thee as now I am:  and that thyself did not then know, (as now thou dost), that thou mayest command her, who is the  Doctress of this Art; but now thou shalt see, what  favour though shalt find for my sake; what power I  have over these wenches;  how much I can prevail with  them; and what wonders I can work in matters of  love: but hush, tread softly; Lo, here's the door, let  us enter in with  still and quiet steps, that the  neighbours may not hear us. Stay, and attend me her at  the stairs' foot, whilst I go up and see what I shall  be able to do with her, concerning the business we  talked of; and it may be, we shall work more with her,  than either thou or I did ever dream of.    

    34. AREUSA. 34. AREUSA. __ ¿ Quién anda ay?   ¿Quién sube a tal hora en mi cámara?  

AREUSA.  Who's there? Who is that, that at this  time of night comes up into my chamber?  

    35. CEL. __ Quien no te quiere mal, cierto;   quien nunca da passo,   que no piense en tu prouecho;   quien tiene más memoria de ti, que de sí mesma:   vna enamorada tuya, avnque vieja.  

CELEST. One, I assure you, that means you no ill;  one that never treads step, but she thinks on thy  profit; one that is more mindful of thee, than of  herself; one that loves thee as her life, though I am  now grown old.  

    36. AREU. __ ¡Válala el diablo a esta vieja,   con qué viene como huestantigua a tal hora¡   tía, señora, ¿ Qué buena venida es ésta tan grande?   Ya me desnudaua para acostar.  

AREUSA.  Now the Devil take this old Trot! what  news with you, that you come thus stealing like a Ghost, and at so late an hour? How think you (Gentlewoman) is this a fair hour to come to one's  chamber? I was even putting off my clothes to go to  bed.  

    37. CEL. __ ¿Con las gallinas, hija? Así se hará la hazienda. ¡ Andar¡, ¡Passe¡Otro es el que ha   de llorar las necessidades, que no tú.   yerua pasce quien lo cumple.   Tal vida quienquiera se la quería.  

CELEST.  What? To bed with the Hen, daughter?  So soon to roost? Fie for shame; Is this the way  to thrive?  Think you ever to be rich, if you go to  bed so timely? Come, walk a turn or two,  and talk  with me a little; let others bewail their wants, not  thou. Herbs feed them that gather them. Who but would,  if he could, lead such a life?  

    38. AREU. __ ¿Jesú! Quiérome tornar a vestir, que he frío.  

AREUSA. How cold it is! I will go put  on my clothes again: beshrew me if I am not cold  at  my very heart.  

    39. CEL. __ No harás, por mi vida;   sino éntrate en la cama, que desde allí hablaremos.  

CELEST.  Nay, by my fay shall you not; but if you  will go into your bed, do; and so shall we talk more  conveniently together.  

    40. AREU. __ Assí goze de mí, pues que lo he bien menester,   que me siento mala oy todo el día.   assí que necessidad, más que vicio,   me fizo tomar con tiempo las sáuanas por faldetas.  

AREUSA.  Yes indeed, I have need so to do; for I  have felt myself very ill all this day; so that  necessity, rather than laziness, hath made me thus early  to take my sheets, instead of my petticoat,  to wrap  about me.  

    41. CEL. __ Pues no estés asentada;   acuéstate y métete debaxo de la ropa, que paresce serena.  

CELEST.  Sit not up, I pray any longer, but get  you to bed, and cover yourself well with clothes,  and sink lower in, so shall you be the sooner  warm. O! how like a Siren dost though look!   How  fair, how beautiful!   

    42. AREU. __ Bien me lo dizes, señora tía.  

    43. CEL. __ ¡Ay cómo huele toda la ropa en bulléndote¡   ¡Aosadas, que está todo a punto¡   Siempre me pagué de tus cosas y hechos, de tu limpieza y atauío. ¡ Fresca que estás¡¡ Bendígate   Dios!   ¡Qué sáuanas y colcha¡¡Qué almohadas¡   ¡Y qué blancura¡Tal sea mi vejez,   quál todo me parece perla de oro.  Verás si te quiere bien   quien te visita a tales horas.   Déxame mirarte toda, a mi voluntad,   que me huelgo.  

O! how sweetly everything smells  about thee, when thou  heavest and turnest thyself  in thy bed! I assure you, everything is in very good order: how well have I always been pleased with all  thy things, and thy doings! You will not think, how  this neatness, this handsomeness of yours in your  lodging doth delight me;  to see everything so trim  and tricksy about you; I promise you, I am even proud  of it. O! how fresh dost thou look! What sheets! What  quilts be here! What pillows! O! how white they be! Let  me not live, if everything her doth not like me wonderful well: my Pearl,  my Jewel of gold, see  whether I love you or no, that I come to visit you at  this time of night! Let my eye take its fill in  beholding of thee; it does me much good  to touch  thee, and to look upon thee.  

    44. AREU. __ ¡Passo, madre, no llegues a mí,   que me fazes coxquillas y prouócasme a reyr   y la risa acreciéntame el dolor.  

AREUSA.  Nay (good mother) leave,  do not touch  me; pray you do not, it doth but increase my pain.  

    45. CEL. __ ¿Qué dolor, mis amores?   ¿Búrlaste, por mi vida, comigo?  

CELEST.  What pain (Sweet heart?)  Tell me (pretty  Ducke.) Come, come, you do but jest, I am sure.  

    46. AREU. __ Mal gozo vea de mí, si burlo;   sino que ha quatro horas, que muero de la madre,   que la tengo sobida en los pechos,   que me quiere sacar deste mundo.   Que no soy tan vieja como piensas.  

AREUSA.  Jest? Let me never taste of joy, if I  jest with you; it is scarce four hours since, that every minute I was ready to die with pain of the Mother, which rising in my breast,  swelled up to my  throat, and was ready to stifle me; that I still  looked when I should leave the world; and therefore am  not so  gamesome and wanton as you think I am:  now I have little mind of that.  

    47. CEL. __ Pues dame lugar, tentaré.   Que avn algo sé yo deste mal por mi pecado,   que cada vna se tiene o ha tenido su madre y sus çoçobras della.  

CELEST.  Go to, give me leave a little to touch you; and  I will try what I can do. For I know something of this evil, which  every one calls the Mother, and the passion thereunto belonging.  

    48. AREU. __ Más arriba la siento, sobre el estómago.  

AREUSA.  Lay your hand higher up towards my  stomach.  

    49. CEL. __ ¡Bendígate Dios y señor Sant Miguel, ángel¡   ¿Y qué gorda y fresca estás¡¡Qué   pechos y qué gentileza¡   Por hermosa te tenía hasta agora,   viendo lo que todos podían ver;   pero agora te digo que no ay en la cibdad   tres cuerpos tales como el tuyo, en quanto yo conozco.   No paresce que hayas quinze años.   ¡O quien fuera hombre   y tanta parte alcançara de ti para gozar tal vista¡   Por Dios, pecado ganas en no dar parte destas gracias   a todos lo que bien te quieren.   Que no te las dio Dios para que pasasen en balde   por la frescor de tu juventud   debaxo de seys dobles de paño y lienço.   Cata que no seas auarienta   de lo que poco te costó.   No atesores tu gentileza.

CELEST.  Alack (poor heart) how I pity thee: that one so plump, so fair, so clear, so fresh, so  fragrant, so delicate, so dainty a creature, that art  indeed the very abstract of beauty, the most admired  model for complexion, feature, comeliness, and rarest  composure; every Limb, every Lineament carrying such  an extraordinary luster and ornament by reflection  from thee. I say, How do I pity thee, that any ache,  sickness, or infirmity should dare to seize or presume  to usurp over such a Peerless Potent, a commanding  Power, as thy imperious unparalleled beauty! But I  dare say, it is not so, nor so; No no, your disease self-conceited, and the pride of your good parts, this  puffs you and makes you slight and contemn all. Go to,  go to, (daughter) you are to blame if it be so, and I  tell you, it is a shame for you, that it is, not to impart these good graces and blessings, which heaven hath bestowed upon you, to as many as wish you  well; For they were not given you in vain, that you should let  them wither, and lose the flower of your youth under six linings of Woolen, and Linen; have a care, that you  be not covetous of that, which cost you but little; do  not, like a Miser, hoord up your beauty; make not a hidden treasure of it, sithence in it's own nature it is as communicable, and  as commonly current as money  from man to man. Be  not the Mastiff in the garden,  nor the Dog in the  manger: and, since thou canst not take any pleasure in thy self, let others take their pleasure; and do not think thou wast borne for nothing: for when thou wast born, man was born: and when man was born, woman was born; nothing in all this wide world was created superfluous, nor which Nature did not provide for with very good consonancy, and well suiting with reason. But think on the contrary, That it is a fault to vex and torment men, when it is in thy power to give them remedy.

    50. AREU. __ Alábame agora, madre, y no me quiere ninguno.   Dame algún remedio para mi mal   y no estés burlando de mí.  

AREUSA.  Tush, mother,  these are but words, and  profit me nothing; give me something for my evil,  and leave your jesting.  

    51. CEL. __ Deste tan común dolor todas somos,   ¡Mal pecado¡, maestras.   Lo que he visto a muchas fazer   y lo que a mí siempre aprouecha, te diré.   Porque como las calidades de las personas son diuersas,   assí las melezinas hazen diuersas sus operaciones y diferentes.   Todo olor fuerte es bueno,   assí como poleo, ruda, axiensos,   humo de plumas de perdiz, de romero, de moxquete, de encienso.   Recebido con mucha diligencia, aprouecha   y afloxa el dolor y buelue poco a poco la madre a su lugar.   Pero otra cosa hallaua yo siempre mejor que todas   y ésta no te quiero dezir,   pues tan santa te me hazes.  

CELEST.  In this so common a grief, all of us,  (the more misfortune ours) are in a manner Physicians to ourselves; that which I have seen practiced on  others, and that which I found good in myself, I shall  plainly deliver unto you:  but as the states of our  bodies are divers,  and the qualities differing; so  are the medicines also divers, and the operations  different. Every strong sent is good: as Pennyroyal, Rue, Wormwood; smoke of Partridge feathers, of  Rosemary,  and of the Soles of old shoes, and of Musk-roses, of Incense,  of strong perfumes,  received  kindly, fully  and greedily, doth work  much good;  much slaketh and easeth the pain, and  by little and little returns the Mother to its proper  place. But there is another thing that passeth all  these, and that I ever found to be better than  any  one, or all of them  put together; but what it  is, I will not tell you, because you make yourself  such a piece of niceness.  

    52. AREU. __ ¿Qué, por mi vida, madre?   Vesme penada ¿Y encúbresme la salud?  

AREUSA.  As you love me, (good mother) tell me:  see'st thou me thus pained, and concealest thou  thyself?  

    53. CEL. __ ¡Anda, que bien me atiendes,   no te hagas boua!  

CELEST.  Go to,  go to, you understand me well  enough; do not make yourself more fool  than you  are.  

    54. AREU. __ ¡Ya¡¡ya¡Mala landre me mate, si te entendía.   ¿Pero qué quieres que haga?   sabes que se partió ayer   aquel mi amigo con su capitán a la guerra.   ¿Hauía de fazerle ruyndad?  

AREUSA.  Well, well, well;  now trust me no  more, if I understood thee. But what is it thou  wouldst have me to do? you know that my friend went  yesterday with his Captain to the wars; would you have  me to wrong him?  

    55. CEL. __ ¡Verás y qué daño y qué gran ruyndad!  

CELEST.  O! take heed, great wrong, I promise  you.  

    56. AREU. __ Por cierto, sí sería.   Que me da todo lo que he menester,   tiéneme honrrada, fauoréceme y trátame como si fuesse su señora.  

AREUSA. Yes indeed, for he supplies all my wants;  he will see I shall lack nothing; he holds me  honest; he does love me, and uses me with that  respect, as if I were his Lady  and Mistress.  

    57. CEL. __ Pero avnque todo esso sea,  mientra no parieres, nunca te faltará este mal y dolor   que agora, de lo qual él deue ser causa.   y si no crees en dolor, cree en color,   y verás lo que viene de su sola compañía.  

CELEST.  Suppose all this to be true,  be it in  the best sort it may be, yet what of all this? This  retiredness is no cure for your disease; you must be  free and communicable, for I must tell you, there  are griefs and pangs  cannot easily be posted off, and  dispossessed, and some not to be removed but by  being a mother,  (you know my meaning;) and such is your disease, and you can never recover  it, by  living  sole and simple (as you now do) without  company.  

    58. AREU. __ No es sino mi mala dicha.   Maldición mala, que mis padres me echaron.   ¿Qué, no está ya por prouar todo esso?   Pero dexemos esso, que es tarde   y dime a qué fue tu buena venida.  

AREUSA. It is but my ill hap, and a curse laid  upon me by my parents, else had I not been put to  prove all this misery and pain,  which now I feel.  But to let this pass, because it is late, tell me I  pray, what wind drove you hither?  

    59. CEL. __ Ya sabes lo que de Pármeno te oue dicho.   Quéxasseme que avn verle no le quieres.   No sé porqué,   sino porque sabes que le quiero yo bien   y le tengo por hijo.   Pues por cierto, de otra manera miro yo tus cosas,   que hasta tus vezinas me parescen bien   y se me alegra el coraçón   cada vez que las veo,   porque sé que hablan contigo.  

CELEST.  You know already what I have said unto  you concerning Parmeno; who complains himself unto me,  that you refuse to see him;  that you will not  vouchsafe him so much as a look: what should be the  reason, I know not, unless because you know, that I  wish him well, and make account of him, as of my son. I have a better care of your matters,  and regard your  friends in a kinder fashion. Not a neighbour that  dwells near you, but she is welcome unto me, and my  heart rejoiceth as often as I see them, and all  because they converse with thee  and keep thee  company.  

    60. AREU. __ ¿No viues, tía señora, engañada?  

AREUSA.  It is true (Aunt) that you say; and I  acknowledge my beholdingness.  

    61. CEL. __ No lo sé. A las obras creo;   que las palabras, de balde las venden dondequiera.   Pero el amor nunca se paga sino con puro amor y a las obras con obras.   Ya sabes el debdo, que ay entre ti y Elicia,   la cual tiene Sempronio en mi casa.   Pármeno y él son compañeros, siruen a este señor,   que tú conoces y por quien tanto fauor podrás tener.   No niegues lo que tan poco fazer te cuesta.   Vosotras, parientas; ellos, compañeros:   mira cómo viene mejor medido, que lo queremos.   Aquí viene comigo. Verás si quieres que suba.  

CELEST.  I know not  whether you do or no: Dost  thou hear me (girl?) I must believe works; for words  are wind, and are sold everywhere for nothing; but love is never paid, but with pure love: and works with  works. Thou know'st the alliance between thee and  Elicia, whom Sempronio keeps in my house. Parmeno and  he are  fellows and companions, they both serve the Gentleman you wot of; and by whom you may gain great  good,  and grace unto yourself. Do not therefore  deny him that, the granting whereof will cost thee so  little; you are kinswomen, and they companions: see,  how pat all things fall! Far better than we ourselves could have wished; and to tell you truly, I have brought him along with me: how say you? Shall I call him up?  

    62. AREU. __ ¡Amarga de mí, si nos ha oydo!  

AREUSA.  Now, heavens forbid. Fie; What did you  mean? Ay me; I fear me, he hath heard every word.  

    63. CEL. __ No, que abaxo queda. Quiérole hazer subir.   Resciba tanta gracia, que le conozcas   y hables y muestres buena cara.   y si tal te paresciere,   goze él de ti y tu dél.   Que, avnque él gane mucho,   tú no pierdes nada.  

CELEST.  No:  for he stays beneath; I will call  to him to come up; for my sake show him good  countenance; take notice of him; speak kindly unto  him;  entertain him friendly; and if you think  fit, let him enjoy you, and you him;  and both one another; for though he gain much, I am sure, you  shall lose nothing by the bargain.  

    64. AREU. __ Bien tengo, señora, conoscimiento cómo todas tus razones,   éstas y las passadas, se endereçan en mi prouecho; pero ¿ Cómo quieres   que haga tal cosa,   que tengo a quien dar cuenta, como has oydo   y, si soy sentida, matarme ha?   tengo vezinas embidiosas. Luego lo dirán.   assí que, avnque no haya más mal de perderle,   será más que ganaré   en agradar al que me mandas.  

AREUSA.  Mother, I am not ignorant, that as well  these, as all other your former speeches unto me, have  ever been directed to my  good and benefit: but how  is it possible, that I should do this,  that you would  now have me? For you know to whom I am bound to give  an account, as already you have heard; and if he know  I play false, he will kill me. My neighbors, they are  envious  and malicious, and they will straightway acquaint him therewith. And say, that no great ill should befall me, save only the losing of his love; it  will be more than I shall gain, by giving contentment  to him, for whom you entreat, or rather command me.  

    65. CEL. __ Eso, que temes, yo lo provey primero,   que muy passo entramos.  

CELEST.  For this fear of yours, myself have  already provided: for we entered in very softly.  

    66. AREU. __ No lo digo por esta noche, sino por otras muchas.  

AREUSA. Nay, I do not speak for this night, but  for many other that are to come.  Tush, were it but  for one night, I would not care.  

    67. CEL. __ ¿Cómo?? y dessas eres?? Dessa manera te tratas?   Nunca tú harás casa con sobrado.   Absente le has miedo;   ¿Qué harías, si estouiesse en la cibdad?   En dicha me cabe,   que jamás cesso de dar consejo   a los bouos y todavía ay quien yerre;   pero no me marauillo,   que es grande el mundo y pocos los esperimentados.   ¡Ay¡¡Ay¡Hija, si viesses el saber de tu prima   y qué tanto le ha aprouechado mi criança y consejos   y qué gran maestra está.   y avn ¡Que no se halla ella mal con mis castigos¡   Que vno en la cama y otro en la puerta   y otro, que sospira por ella en su casa,   se precia de tener.   y con todos cumple   y a todos muestra buena cara y todos piensan   que son muy queridos

CELEST.  What? Is this your fashion? Is this the  manner of your carriage?  And you use these  niceties, you shall never have a house with a double  room,  but live like a beggar all the days of your  life. What? are you afraid of our Sweetheart now he  is absent? What would you then do, were he now in Town? It hath ever been my ill fortune, to give counsel unto folls, such as cannot see their own  good; say what I will, they will err;  still stand in their own light. But I do  not much wonder at it; For though the world be wide,  yet there are but few wise in it. Great is the  largeness of the earth, but small the number of those  that have experience. Ha, daughter! Did you but see  your cousin's wisdom, or but know what benefit my breeding and counsel hath brought her,  how cunning,  how witty, and what a Mistress in her art;  you  would be of another mind; say what I will unto her,  she patiently endures my reprehensions, she hearkens  to my advice, and does all what I will have her  do; she will sometimes boast, that she hath at one  time had one in her bed with her; another waiting at  the door; and a third sighing for her within the  house; and yet hath given good satisfaction to them  all. And art thou  afraid, who hath but two to death withal; Can  one  cock fill all thy Cisterns? One conduit-pipe water  all thy Court? If this be your diet,  you may chance  to rise a hungered, you shall have no meat left against another time; I will not rent your fragments;  I cannot live upon scraps; One could never please  me; I could never place all my affection upon one; two  can do more than one; they  give more, and they have more to give. It goes hard (Daughter) with that Mouse, that hath but one hole to  trust to; for if that be stopped, she hath no means to  hide herself from the Cat: he that hath but one eye,  you see in what danger he goes? One sole Act maketh  not a Habit.  

  un frayle solo pocas veces lo encontrarás por la calle;   vna perdiz sola por marauilla buela mayormente en verano;   vn manjar solo continuo presta hastío;   vna golondrina no haze verano;   vn testigo solo no es entera fe;   quien sola vna ropa tiene, presto la enuegece.   ¿Qué quieres, hija, deste número de vno?   Más inconuenientes te diré dél, que años tengo a cuestas.   Ten siquiera dos, que es compañía loable   y tal qual es éste:   como tienes dos orejas,   dos pies y dos manos,   dos sáuanas en la cama;   como dos camisas para remudar.   y si más quieres, mejor te yrá,   que mientra más moros, más ganancia;   que honrra sin prouecho, no es sino como anillo en el dedo.   y pues entrambos no caben en vn saco,   acoge la ganancia.   Sube, hijo Pármeno.  

It is a rare, and strange thing to see a Partridge fly single; to feed always upon one dish, brings a loathing to the stomach; one Swallow makes not a Summer; one witness alone is of no validity in Law. He that hath but one suit of clothes,  and she  that hath but one gown to her back, quickly wears  them out. What would you do (daughter) with this  number of one? Many more inconveniences can I tell  thee of this single sole number (if one may be a number.) If you be wise,  be never without two; for it is a laudable  and commendable company, as  you may see it in  yourself; who hath two ears, two feet, and two  hands; two sheets upon one bed; and two smocks  wherewith to shift you; and the more you have, the  better it is for you; for still, (as it is in the Proverb) The more Moors, the better market; and  honour without profit, is no other but as a ring upon  the finger. And because one Sack cannot hold them  both, apply yourself to your profit. Son Parmeno, come  up.  

    68. AREU. __ ¡No suba¡¡Landre me mate¡   que me fino de empacho,   que no le conozco.   Siempre houe vergüença dél.  

AREUSA. O let him not come up  if you love me;  the pox be my death, if I am not ready to swound,  to  think on't; I know not what to do for very shame.  Nay fie, mother, what mean you to call him up? you  know that I have no acquaintance with him; I never  exchanged a word with him, in all my life; Fie, how I  am ashamed!  

    69. CEL. __ Aquí estoy yo que te la quitaré   y cobriré y hablaré por entramos:   que otro tan empachado es él.  

CELEST.  I am here with thee, (wench;) I, who  will stand betwixt him and thee; I will quit thee of  this shame, and will cover thee close, and speak for  you both: For he is as bashful as you  for your  life.  

    70. PARM. __ Señora, Dios salue tu graciosa presencia.  

PARM.  Gentlewoman, heavens preserve this  gracious presence of yours.  

    71. AREU. __ Gentilhombre, buena sea tu venida.  

AREUSA.  You are welcome, gentle Sir.  

    72. CEL. __ Llégate acá, asno.   ¿Adónde te vas allá assentar al rincón?   No seas empachado,   que al hombre vergonçoso el diablo le traxo a palacio.   Oydme entrambos lo que digo.   Ya sabes tú, Pármeno amigo, lo que te prometí,   y tú, hija mia, lo que te tengo rogado.   Dexada aparte la dificultad con que me lo has concedido,   pocas razones son necessarias,   porque el tiempo no lo padece.   El ha siempre viuido penado por ti.   Pues viendo su pena,   sé que no le querrás matar   y avn conozco que él te paresce tal,   que no será malo para quedarse acá esta noche en casa.  

CELEST.  Come hither you Ass, whither go you  now, to sit moping down in a corner? Come,  come,  be not so shamefast, for it was the bashful man whom  the Devil brought to Court;  for he was sure, he  should get nothing there; hearken both of you, what  I shall now say unto you: You, my friend Parmeno, know  already what I promised you: and you (daughter) what I  entreated at your hands. Laying aside therefore the  difficulty, in drawing thee to grant that which I  desired, few words I conceive to be the best, because  the time will not permit me to be long. He for his  part hath hitherto lived in great pain  and grief  for your sake: and therefore you seeing his torment, I  know you will not kill him: and I likewise know, that  yourself liketh so well of him, that it shall not be  amiss, that he stay with you here this night in the  house.  

    73. AREU. __ Por mi vida, madre, que tal no se haga;   ¡Jesú¡No me lo mandes.  

AREUSA.  For my  maidenhead's sake (mother)  let it not be so, pray do not command it to me.  

    74. PARM. __ Madre mia, por amor de Dios,   que no salga yo de aquí sin buen concierto.   Que me ha muerto de amores su vista. Ofréscele quanto   mi padre te dejó para mí.   Dile que le daré quanto tengo.   ¡Ea¡Díselo, que me parece que no me quiere mirar.  

PARM.  Mother,  as you love my life, as you love  goodness, let me not go hence, until we be well  agreed: for she hath wounded me with her  eyes, to death, and I must die through love, unless you help me; offer her all that which my father left with you  for me; tell her, I will give her all that I have besides, do you hear? Tell her, that me thinks, she will not vouchsafe to look upon me.  

    75. AREU. __ ¿Qué te dize esse señor a la oreja?   ¿Piensa que tengo de fazer nada de lo que pides?  

AREUSA.  What doth this Gentleman whisper in your  ear? Thinks he that I will not perform ought of your  request?  

    76. CEL. __ No dize, hija, sino que se huelga mucho con tu amistad,   porque eres persona tan honrrada   y en quien qualquier beneficio cabrá bien.   y assimismo que, pues que esto por mi intercessión se hace,   que él me promete de aquí adelante ser muy amigo de Sempronio   y venir en todo lo que quisiere contra su amo   en un negocio, que traemos entre manos.   ¿Es verdad, Pármeno?   ¿Prométeslo assí como digo?  

CELEST.  No, daughter, no such matter; he says  that he is very glad of your  good love and  friendship, because you are  so honest, and so  worthy; and that any benefit shall light well, that  shall fall upon you. Come hither (Modesty) Come  hither, you bashful fool 

    77. PARM. __ Sí prometo, sin dubda.  

    78. CEL. __ ¡Ha, don ruyn, palabra te tengo,   a buen tiempo te así.   Llégate acá, negligente, vergonçoso,   que quiero ver para quánto eres, ante que me vaya.   Retóçala en esta cama.  

    79. AREU. __ No será él tan descortés,   que entre en lo vedado sin licencia.  

AREUSA.  He will not be so uncivil, as to enter  into another body's ground without leave, especially,  when it lies in several.  

    80. CEL. __ ¿En cortesías y licencias estás?   No espero más aquí yo,   fiadora que tú amanezcas sin dolor y él sin color.   Mas como es vn putillo, gallillo, barbiponiente, entiendo que en tres noches   no se le demude la cresta.   Destos me mandauan a mí comer en mi tiempo los médicos de mi tierra,   quando tenía mejores dientes.  

CELEST.  So uncivil?  Do you stand upon leave?  Would you have him stand with cap in hand, and say, I  pray shall I? Will you give me leave forsooth? And I  know not what fiddle-come-faddles? Well, I will stay  no longer with you: and I will pass my word, that you  shall rise tomorrow painless.

    81. AREU. __ Ay, señor mio, no me trates de tal manera;   ten mesura por cortesía;   mira las canas de aquella vieja honrrada, que están presentes;   quítate allá que no soy de aquéllas que piensas;   no soy de las que públicamente están a vender sus cuerpos por dinero.   assí goze de mí, de casa me salga,   si fasta que Celestina mi tía sea yda   a mi ropa tocas.  

AREUSA.  Nay fie, good Sir, for modesty's sake, I  beseech you let me alone: content yourself, I pray.  I pray let be. If not for my sake, yet look back  upon those gray hairs of that reverend old Dame, which  stands by you,  and forbear for her sake. Get you  gone, I say, for I am none of those you take me to be,  I am none of your common hackneys, that hire out their  bodies for money. Would I might never stir, if I do  not get me out of the house, if you do but touch so  much as a cloth about me.

     82. CEL. __ Qué es eso, Areusa?   ¿ Qué son estas estrañezas y esquiuedad,   estas nouedades y retraymiento?   paresce, hija, que no sé yo qué cosa es esto,   que nunca vi estar vn hombre con vna muger juntos   y que jamás passé por ello   ni gozé de lo que gozas   y que no sé lo que passan   y lo que dizen y hazen.   ¡ Guay de quien tal oye como yo¡   Pues auísote, de tanto,   que fuy errada como tú   y tuue amigos;   pero nunca el viejo ni la vieja echaua de mi lado   ni su consejo en público ni en mis secretos.   Para la muerte que a Dios deuo,   más quisiera vna gran bofetada en mitad de mi cara.   paresce que ayer nascí, según tu encubrimiento.   Por hazer a ti honesta,

CELEST.  Why, how now Areusa, what's the matter  with you? Whence comes this strangeness? Whence this  coyness of yours? This niceness? Why (Daughter) do you  think that I know not what this means? Did I never see  a man and woman together before? And that I know not  all their tricks and devices? What they say, and what they do? I am sorry to hear that I do. Besides, I must tell you, I was once as wanton as you are now,  and thought my penny as good silver as yours: and  many a friend I had  that came unto me: yet did I  never in all my life exclude either old man, or old  woman out of my company, or that ever I refused their counsel, were it public or private. By  my little  honesty, I had rather thou hadst given me a box  on  the ear, than to hear what I hear. You make of me,  as if I had been born but yesterday.  O! how cunning  forsooth, how close you be? for to make yourself seem honest, you would make me a fool. I must be a  kind of Ignoramus, without shame, secrecy, and experience. Ye would discredit me in my Trade, for to  win yourself credit in your own. But  the best is,  betwixt Pirate and Pirate, there is nothing to be got  but  blows and empty barrels. And well I wot, that I  speak far better of thee, behind thy back, than thou canst think of thyself before me.  

    83. AREU. __ Madre, si erré aya perdón   y llégate más acá y él haga lo que quisiere.   Que más quiero tener a ti contenta, que no a mí;   antes me quebraré vn ojo que enojarte.  

AREUSA.  Mother, if I have offended, pardon me, for I had rather give  contentment to you, than to myself. I would not anger you for a world.   

    84. CEL. __ No tengo ya enojo;   pero dígotelo para adelante.   Quedaos adios, que voyme solo   porque me hazés dentera con vuestro besar y retoçar.   Que avn el sabor en las enzías me quedó:   no le perdí con las muelas.  

CELEST.  No, I am not angry, I do but tell you  this against another time,  that you may beware you  do so no more. And so good-night, for I will be  gone, I will get me away alone by myself.

    85. AREU. __ Dios vaya contigo.  

AREUSA.  Good night, Aunt.   

    86. PARM. __ Madre, ¿Mandas que te acompañe?  

PARM. Mother,  will you that I wait upon  you? Shall I accompany you home?      

    87. CEL. __ Sería quitar a vn sancto para poner en otro.   Acompáñeos Dios; que yo vieja soy, que no he temor que me fuercen en la calle.  

CELEST.  No, mary shall you not; that were but  to strip one, and clothe another; or again, it needs  not, for I am old, and therefore fear not to be  forced in the streets.  I am past all danger of  ravishing.   

    88. ELIC. __ El perro ladra. ¿Si viene este diablo de vieja?  

ELICIA.  The dog barks. The old Witch comes  hobbling home.  

    89. CEL. __ Tha, tha, tha  

CELEST.  Tha, tha, tha.  

    90. ELIC. __ ¿Quién es?? Quién llama?  

ELICIA.  Who is there? who knocks at door?  

    91. CEL. __ Báxame abrir, fija.  

CELEST.  Daughter, Come down, and open the door.  

    92. ELIC. __ ¿Estas son tus venidas?   Andar de noche es tu plazer.   ¿Por qué lo hazes?   ¿Qué larga estada fue ésta, madre?   Nunca sales para boluer a casa.   Por costumbre lo tienes.   Cumpliendo con vno, dexas ciento descontentos.   Que has sido oy buscada del padre de la desposada,   que leuaste el día de pasqua al racionero;   que la quiere casar de aquí a tres días   y es menester que la remedies,   pues que se lo prometiste,   para que no sienta su marido la falta de la virginidad.  

ELICIA.  Is this a time to come in? You are  disposed still to be out thus a nights. To what end  (I trow) walk you thus late? What a long time (mother) have you been away? What do you mean by it?  You can never find the way home, when you are once  abroad: but it is your old wont, you cannot leave it;  and so as you may pleasure one,  you care not and you leave a hundred discontented: you have been sought  after today, by the father of her that was betrothed,  which you brought from the Prebendary upon Easter Day,  whom he is purposed to marry within these three days,  and you must needs help her, according as you  promised, that her husband may not find her virginity  cracked.  

    93. CEL. __ No me acuerdo, hija, por quién dizes.  

CELEST.  Daughter, I remember no such matter. For  whom is it that you speak?  

    94. ELIC. __ ¿Cómo no te acuerdas?   Desacordada eres, cierto.   ¡O cómo caduca la memoria¡   Pues, por cierto, tu me dixiste, quando la leuauas,   que la auías renouado siete vezes.  

ELICIA.  Remember no such matter? Sure, you have  forgot yourself. O! what a weak memory have you? Why,  yourself told me of it, when you took her hence; and  that you had renewed her maidenhead seven times  at  the least.  

    95. CEL. __ No te marauilles, hija,   que quien en muchas partes derrama su memoria,   en ninguna la puede tener.   Pero, dime si tornará.  

CELEST.  Daughter, make it not so strange, that  I should forget. For he that scattereth his memory  into many parts, can keep it steadfast in no part. But  tell me, Will he not return again?  

    96. ELIC. __ ¡Mirá si tornará¡ Tiénete dada vna manilla de oro en prendas de tu trabajo  ¿Y no hauía de venir?  

See whether he will return or no? He hath given you a bracelet of Gold, as a pledge for your pains: and will he not then return again?

    97. CEL. __ ¿La de la manilla es?   Ya sé por quién dizes.   ¿Por qué tú no tomauas el aparejo   y començauas a hazer algo?   Pues en aquellas tales te hauías de abezar y prouar,   de quantas vezes me lo as visto fazer. Si no, ay te estarás toda   tu vida,   fecha bestia sin oficio ni renta.   y quando seas de mi edad,   llorarás la folgura de agora.   Que la mocedad ociosa acarrea la vejez arrepentida y trabajosa.   Hazíalo yo mejor,   quando tu abuela, que Dios aya, me mostraua este oficio:   que a cabo de vn año, sabía más que ella.  

CELEST.  O! Was't he that brought the bracelet?  Now I know whom you mean. Why did you not prepare  things in a readiness, and begin to do something  against I came home? For in such things you should  practise yourself when I am absent, and try  whether you can do that by yourself, which you so  often have seen me do: otherwise, you are like to live  all your lifetime like a beast, without either art, or income: and then when you grow to my years, you will  too late lament your present laziness; for an idle, and  lazy youth brings with it a repentful, and a painful  old age. I took a better course I wisse, when your  Grandmother showed me her cunning: for, in the compass  of one year, I grew more skilful than herself.  

    98. ELIC. __ No me marauillo,   que muchas vezes, como dizen, al maestro sobrepuja el buen discípulo.   y no va esto, sino en la gana con que se aprende.   ninguna sciencia es bienempleada en el que no le tiene afición.   Yo le tengo a este oficio odio;   tú mueres tras ello.  

ELICIA.  No marvel; for many times, (as it is in  the Proverb) a good Scholar goes beyond his Master;  and it is all in the will and desire of him that is to  learn; for no Science can be well employed on him, who  hath not  a good mind and affection thereunto.  But I had as life die, as go about it. I am sick (me thinks) when I set myself to it; and you are never well, but when you are at it.  

    99. CEL. __ Tú te lo dirás todo.   Pobre vejez quieres.   ¿Piensas que nunca has de salir de mi lado?  

CELEST.  You may say what you like.  But believe  me, you will die a beggar for this.  What? do you  think to live always under my wing? Think you never  to go from my elbow?  

    100. ELIC. __ Por Dios, dexemos enojo y al tiempo el consejo.   Ayamos mucho plazer.   Mientra oy touiéremos de comer, no pensemos en mañana.   También se muere el que mucho allega como el que pobremente veue   y el doctor como el pastor   y el papa como el sacristán   y el señor como el sieruo   y el de alto linaje como el baxo   y tú con tu oficio como yo sin ninguno.   No hauemos de viuir para siempre.   Gozemos y holguémonos,   que la vejez pocos la veen   y de los que la veen ninguno murió de hambre.

ELICIA.  Pray let us leave off this melancholy  talk;  now is now; and then is then. When time  serves, we will follow your counsel; but now let us  take our pleasure, while we may. As long as we have  meat for today, let us not think on tomorrow;  Let  tomorrow care for itself; as well dies he that  gathers much, as he that lives but poorly; the Master, as  the servant, he that is of a Noble Lineage, as he that  is of a meaner stock: and though with thy art, as well as I without it; we are not to live forever: and therefore let us laugh and be merry, for few are they  that come to see old age; and they who do see it,  seldom die of hunger.  

 No quiero en este mundo,   sino día   y victo y parte en parayso.   avnque los ricos tienen mejor aparejo para ganar la gloria,   que quien poco tiene.   No ay ninguno contento,   no ay quien diga: harto tengo;   no ay ninguno, que no trocasse mi plazer por sus dineros. Dejemos cuidados ajenos y acostémonos, que es hora. Que más me engordará un buen sueñ sin temor, que canto tesoro hay en Venecia.

 I desire nothing in this world,  but meat, drink, and clothing, and a part in  pleasure. And though rich men have better means  to attain to this glory, than he that hath but little; yet there is not one of them that is contented, not  one that says to himself, I have enough. There is not one of them, with whom I would exchange my pleasures for their riches. But  let us leave other men's thoughts  and cares to  themselves; and let us go sleep, for it is time; and  a good sound sleep without fear, will fat me more,  and do me more good, than all the Treasure and wealth of Venice.