Page:Blackwood's Magazine volume 050.djvu/347

1841.] The highest prize for painting—that is to say,

Provided I object not to the match.

Now, I myself do love her—though perhaps

More as a father than a lover—yet

My heart is touch'd, and I have come to you

That you may help me to two blessed things—

A cherish'd wife and glory—both at once.

. A wife and glory! I have heard it said

A wife, ere now, has proved her husband's shame.

You see then how the matter stands.

I do.

(Aside,) Scoundrel! I'll hackle you.—(Aloud,) Well, I agree.

To all I ask?

. I've said it—we must now

Settle the price.

I pray you name your sum.

. The sum must be enormous, or we split.

(in evident trepidation.) What do you call enormous?

. Look ye, sir,

I'm selling to you not my work alone,

But my great name besides; you, in return,

Must part with a large share of the possessions

You hold most dear: that is but reasonable.

It is: provided you don't ask too much.

. You said that you were rich.—

I meant to say—

. Whate'er you meant, I tell you, friend, you must

Pay like a prince, or else the bargain's off.

What is the price then?

. Twenty thousand crowns.

Almighty heavens! Salvator, are you mad?

Not one sous less than twenty thousand crowns.

I thought you said you cared not for my gold.

. Nor do I—but if I permit another·

To call himself the father of my works,

It shall not be for nothing.

I'm in office,

And may be able to assist you, Rosa.

Thank you—but I require no man's assistance.

As long as I can paint—My time, good sir,

Is precious, and my painting still requires

Some finishing touches—

. Rosa! think again,

And fix a lower sum.

I've named the price.

Well, then, it shall be paid give me the picture.

. When you give me the money.

Do you think

That I have twenty thousand crowns about me

. Then go and fetch them.

Yet suppose, Salvator,

Your picture should not gain the prise—What then?

. I'll pay the money back.

I am content.

(Sighing.) Oh! What a sum is twenty thousand crowns!

. Consider what you've purchased therewithal—

Your ward—is she a beauty?

She's but young—

Yet I admire her—you shall see her soon.

Of course, our marriage must be over first. For no man yet has seen her but myself.

You know how wickedly the world's inclined.