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.
Sal. A wife and glory! I have heard it said
A wife, ere now, has proved her husband's shame.
Cal. You see then how the matter stands.
Sal. I do.
(Aside,) Scoundrel! I'll hackle you.—(Aloud,) Well, I agree.
Cal. To all I ask?
Sal. I've said it—we must now
Settle the price.
Cal. I pray you name your sum.
Sal. The sum must be enormous, or we split.
Cal. (in evident trepidation.) What do you call enormous?
Sal. 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.
Cal. It is: provided you don't ask too much.
Sal. You said that you were rich.—
Cal. I meant to say—
Sal. Whate'er you meant, I tell you, friend, you must
Pay like a prince, or else the bargain's off.
Cal. What is the price then?
Sal. Twenty thousand crowns.
Cal. Almighty heavens! Salvator, are you mad?
Sal. Not one sous less than twenty thousand crowns.
Cal. I thought you said you cared not for my gold.
Sal. Nor do I—but if I permit another·
To call himself the father of my works,
It shall not be for nothing.
Cal. I'm in office,
And may be able to assist you, Rosa.
Sal. 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—
Cal. Rosa! think again,
And fix a lower sum.
Sal. I've named the price.
Cal. Well, then, it shall be paid give me the picture.
Sal. When you give me the money.
Cal. Do you think
That I have twenty thousand crowns about me
Sal. Then go and fetch them.
Cal. Yet suppose, Salvator,
Your picture should not gain the prise—What then?
Sal. I'll pay the money back.
Cal. I am content.
(Sighing.) Oh! What a sum is twenty thousand crowns!
Sal. Consider what you've purchased therewithal—
Your ward—is she a beauty?
Cal. 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.
Page:Blackwood's Magazine volume 050.djvu/347
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1841.]
The Picture of Danäe.
313
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