BEN:IONSON
  <TITLE VOLPONE OR THE FOXE.>
THE EPISTLE.
NEUER(MOST AEQUALL SISTERS) HAD ANY
MAN A WIT SO PRESENTLY EXCELLENT,
AS THAT IT COULD RAISE IT SELFE;BUT
THERE MUST COME BOTH MATTER,
OCCASION,COMMENDERS, AND FAUOURERS TO IT.
IF THIS BE TRUE,AND THAT
THE FORTUNE OF ALL WRITERS DOTH DAILY PROUE IT,IT
BEHOUES THE CAREFULL TO PROUIDE,WELL,TOWARD THESE
ACCIDENTS; AND,HAUING ACQUIR'D THEM,TO PRESERUE THAT
PART OF REPUTATION MOST TENDERLY,WHEREIN THE
BENEFIT OF A FRIEND IS ALSO DEFENDED. HENCE IS IT,THAT I
NOW RENDER MY SELFE GRATEFULL, AND AM STUDIOUS TO
IUSTIFIE THE BOUNTY OF YOUR ACT:TO WHICH,THOUGH
YOUR MERE AUTHORITY WERE SATISFYING,YET,IT BEING AN
AGE, WHEREIN POETRY AND THE PROFESSORS OF IT HEARE SO
ILL,ON ALL SIDES,THERE WILL A REASON BEE LOOK'D FOR IN
THE SUBIECT. IT IS CERTAINE,NOR CAN IT WITH ANY FORE-
HEAD BE OPPOS'D) THAT THE TOO-MUCH LICENCE OF
POETASTERS,IN THIS TIME,HATH MUCH DEFORM'D THEIR
MISTRESSE; THAT,EUERY DAY THEIR MANIFOLD,AND MANIFEST
IGNORANCE DOTH STICK VNNATURALL REPROCHES VPON HER:
BUT FOR THEIR PETULANCY,IT WERE AN ACT OF THE GREATEST
INIUSTICE,EITHER TO LET THE LEARNED SUFFER;OR SO DIUINE
A SKILL(WHICH INDEED SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED WITH
VNCLEANE HANDS) TO FALL,VNDER THE LEAST CONTEMPT.
FOR IF MEN WILL IMPARTIALLY,AND NOT A-SQUINT,LOOKE
TOWARD THE OFFICES, AND FUNCTION OF A POET,THEY WILL
EASILY CONCLUDE TO THEMSELUES,THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF
ANY MANS BEING THE GOOD POET,WITHOUT FIRST BEING A
GOOD MAN. HE THAT IS SAYD TO BE ABLE TO INFORME
YONG-MEN TO ALL GOOD DISCIPLINES, INFLAME GROWNE-
MEN TO ALL GREAT VERTUES,KEEPE OLD MEN IN THEIR BEST
AND SUPREME STATE,OR AS THEY DECLINE TO CHILD-HOOD,
RECOUER THEM TO THEIR FIRST STRENGTH;THAT COMES FORTH
THE INTERPRETER,AND ARBITER OF NATURE,A TEACHER OF
THINGS DIUINE,NO LESSE THEN HUMANE, A MASTER IN MANNERS;
AND CAN ALONE(OR WITH A FEW)EFFECT THE BUSINES
OF MAN-KIND. THIS,I TAKE HIM,IS NO SUBIECT FOR PRIDE,
AND IGNORANCE TO EXERCISE THEIR RAILING RHETORIQUE
VPON. BUT,IT WILL HERE BE HASTILY ANSWER'D, THAT THE
WRITERS OF THESE DAYES ARE OTHER THINGS;THAT,NOT
ONELY THEIR MANNERS,BUT THEIR NATURES ARE INUERTED;
AND NOTHING REMAINING WITH THEM OF THE DIGNITY OF
POET,BUT THE ABUSED NAME,WHICH EUERY SCRIBE
VSURPES:THAT NOW,ESPECIALLY IN DRAMATICK,OR(AS THEY
TERME IT)STAGE-POETRY,NOTHING BUT RIBALDRY,PROFANATION,
BLASPHEMY,AL LICENCE OF OFFENCE TO GOD,
AND MAN,IS PRACTISD.I DARE NOT DENY A GREAT PART OF
THIS(AND AM SORY,I DARE NOT)BECAUSE IN SOME MENS
ABORTIUE FEATURES(AND WOULD THEY HAD NEUER BOASTED
THE LIGHT)IT IS OUER-TRUE:BUT,THAT ALL ARE EMBARQU'D
IN THIS BOLD ADUENTURE FOR HELL,IS A MOST VNCHARITABLE
THOUGHT,AND,VTTERD,A MORE MALICIOUS SLANDER.
FOR MY PARTICULAR,I CAN (AND FROM A MOST CLEARE
CONSCIENCE) AFFIRME THAT I HAUE EUER TREMBLED TO
THINKE TOWARD THE LEAST PROPHANENESSE;HAUE LOATHED
THE VSE OF SUCH FOULE,AND VN-WASHD BAUDR'Y,AS
IS NOW MADE THE FOODE OF THE SCENE:AND,HOWSO-
EUER I CANNOT ESCAPE,FROM SOME,THE IMPUTATION OF
SHARPNESSE,BUT THAT THEY WIL SAY,I HAUE TAKEN A PRIDE,
OR LUST TO BE BITTER,AND NOT MY YONGEST INFANT BUT
HATH COME INTO THE WORLD WITH ALL HIS TEETH;I WOULD
ASKE OF THESE SUPERCILIOUS POLITIQUES,WHAT NATION,
SOCIETY,OR GENERALL ORDER,OR STATE I HAUE PROUOKD?
WHAT PUBLIQUE PERSON? WHETHER I HAUE NOT (IN ALL
THESE)PRESERU'D THEIR DIGNITY,AS MINE OWNE PERSON,
SAFE? MY WORKES ARE READ,ALLOW'D,(I SPEAKE OF THOSE
THAT ARE INTIRELY MINE)LOOKE INTO THEM,WHAT BROAD
REPROOFES HAUE I VSD: WHERE HAUE I BIN PARTICULAR?
WHERE PERSONALL,EXCEPT TO A MIMICK, CHEATER,
BAUD, OR BUFFON, CREATURES(FOR THEIR INSOLENCIES)WORTHY
TO BE TAX'D?OR TO WHICH OF THESE SO POINTINGLY,AS
HE MIGHT NOT,EITHER INGENIOUSLY HAUE CONFEST,OR WISELY
DISSEMBLED HIS DISEASE? BUT IT IS NOT RUMOUR CAN
MAKE MEN GUILTY,MUCH LESSE ENTITLE MEN,TO OTHER MENS
CRIMES,I KNOW,THAT NOTHING CAN BE SO INNOCENTLY WRIT,
OR CARRIED,BUT MAYBE MADE OBNOXIOUS TO CONSTRUCTION;
MARY, WHILST I BEARE MINE INNOCENCE ABOUT ME,
I FEARE IT NOT. APPLICATION, IS NOW,GROWNE A TRADE
WITH MANY;AND THERE ARE,THAT PROFESSE TO  HAUE A
KEY FOR THE DECIPHERING OF EUERY THING, BUT LET WISE
AND NOBLE PERSONS TAKE HEED HOW THEY BEE TOO CREDULOUS,
OR GIUE LEAUE TO THESE INUADING INTERPRETERS
TO BE OUER-FAMILIAR WITH THEIR FAMES,WHO CUNNINGLY,
& OFTEN,VTTER THEIR OWNE VIRULENT MALICE,VNDER
OTHER MENS SIMPLEST MEANINGS. AS FOR THOSE,THAT WIL(BY
FAULTS WHICH CHARITY HATH RAK'D VP,OR COMMON HONESTY
COCEALD(MAKE THEMSELUES A NAME WITH THE MULTITUDE,
OR(TO DRAWE THEIR RUDE,AND BEASTLY CLAPPES)CARE
NOT WHOSE LIUING FACES THEY INTRENCH WITH THEIR
PETULANT STILES;MAY THEY DOE IT,WITHOUT A RIUALL,FOR
MEE: I CHUSE RATHER TO LIUE GRAU'D IN OBSCURITIE,THEN
SHARE WITH THEM,IN SO PREPOSTEROUS A FAME. NOR
CAN I BLAME THE WISHES OF THOSE GRAUE, AND WISER
PATRIOTES, WHO PROUIDING THE HURTS THESE LICENTIOUS
SPIRITS MAY DO IN A STATE,DESIRE RATHER TO SEE FOOLES,
AND DIUELLS,AND THOSE ANTIQUE RELIQUES OF BARBARISME
RETRIU'D, WITH ALL OTHER RIDICULOUS,AND EXPLODED
FOLLIES:THEN BEHOLD THE WOUNDS OF PRIUATE MEN,OF
PRINCES,AND NATIONS. FOR AS HORACE,MAKES TREBATIUS
SPEAKE,IN THESE
SIBI QUISQUE TIMET,QUANQUAM EST INTACTUS, & ODIT.
AND MEN MAY IUSTLY IMPUTE SUCH RAGES,IF CONTINU'D,
TO THE WRITER,AS HIS SPORTS. THE ENCREASE OF WHICH
LUST IN LIBERTY,TOGETHER WITH THE PRESENT TRADE OF
THE STAGE,IN ALL THEIR MISC'LINE ENTERLUDES,WHAT LEARNED
OR LIBERALL SOULE DOTH NOT ALREADY ABHOR? WHERE
NOTHING BUT THE GARBAGE OF THE TIME IS VTTER'D, & THAT
WITH SUCH IMPROPRIETY OF PHRASE,SUCH PLENTY OF SOLOECISMES,
SUCH DEARTH OF SENSE,SO BOLD PROLEPSE'S, SO RACKT
METAPHOR'S, WITH BROTHELRY ABLE TO VIOLATE THE EARE
OF A PAGAN,AND BLASPHEMY,TO TURNE THE BLOUD OF A
CHRISTIAN TO WATER. I CANNOT BUT BE SERIOUS IN A CAUSE
OF THIS NATURE,WHEREIN MY FAME,& THE REPUTATIONS
OF DIUERSE HONEST, & LEARNED ARE THE QUESTION;WHEN
A NAME,SO FULL OF AUTHORITY,ANTIQUITY,AND ALL GREAT
MARKE, IS (THROUGH THEIR INSOLENCE)BECOME THE LOWEST
SCORNE OF THE AGE:AND THOSE MEN SUBIECT TO THE PETULANCY
OF EUERY VERNACULOUS ORATOR,THAT WERE
WONT TO BE THE CARE OF KINGS, AND HAPPIEST MONARCHS.
THIS IT IS THAT HATH NOT ONELY RAP'T MEE TO PRESENT INDIGNATION,
BUT MADE MEE STUDIOUS, HERETOFORE, AND,
BY ALL MY ACTIONS,TO STAND OF,FROM THEM;WHICH
MAY MOST APPEARE IN THIS MY LATEST WORKE:(WHICH
YOU,MOST LEARNED ARBITRESSES,HAUE SEENE,IUDG'D,&
TO MY CROWNE,APPROU'D)WHEREIN I HAUE LABOURD,
FOR THEIR INSTRUCTION,AND AMENDMENT,TO REDUCE,NOT
ONELY THE ANTIENT FORMES,BUT MANNERS OF THE SCENE,
THE EASINESSE,THE PROPRIETY,THE INNOCENCE,AND LAST
THE DOCTRINE,WHICH IS THE PRINCIPALL END OF POESY
TO INFORME MEN,IN THE BEST REASON OF LIUING. AND
THOUGH MY CATASTROPHE MAY,IN THE STRICT RIGOUR OF
COMICK LAW,MEETE WITH CENSURE,AS TURNING BACK TO
MY PROMISE;I DESIRE THE LEARNED,AND CHARITABLE
CRITICK TO HAUE SO MUCH FAITH IN MEN,TO THINKE IT WAS
DONE OFF INDUSTRYE:FOR WITH WHAT EASE I COULD
HAUE VARIED IT,NEARER HIS SCALE(BUT THAT I FEARE TO
BOAST MY OWNE FACULTY)I COULD HERE INSERT. BUT MY
SPECIAL AIME BEING TO PUT THE SNAFLE IN THEIR MOUTHS,
THAT CRIE OUT,WE NEUER PUNISH VICE IN OUR ENTERLUDES
&C. I TOOKE THE MORE LIBERTY;THOUGH NOT WITH
OUT SOME LINES OF EXAMPLE DRAWNE EUEN IN THE ANTIENTS
THEMSELUES,THE GOINGS OUT OF WHOSE COMOEDIES
ARE NOT ALWAYES IOYFULL,BUT OFTIMES,THE BAUDES,
THE SERUANTS, THE RIUALLS, YEA AND THE MAISTERS
ARE MULCTED:AND FITLY,IT BEEING THE OFFICE OF A
COMICK-POET TO IMITATE IUSTICE,AND INSTRUCT TO LIFE,
AS WELL AS PURITIE OF LANGUAGE,OR STIRRE VP GENTLE
AFFECTIONS. TO WHICH,VPON MY NEXT OPPORTUNITY
TOWARD THE EXAMINING & DIGESTING OF MY NOTES,I SHALL
SPEAKE MORE WEALTHILY,AND PAY THE WORLD A DEBT.
IN THE MEANE TIME(MOST REUERENCED SISTERS) AS
I HAUE CAR'D TO BE THANKEFULL FOR YOUR AFFECTIONS PAST,
AND HERE MADE THE VNDERSTANDING ACQUAINTED WITH
SOME GROUND OF YOUR FAUORS;LET MEN NOT DISPAYRE THEIR
CONTINUANCE,TO THE MATURING OF SOME WORTHIER FRUITS:
WHEREIN,IF MY MVSES BEE TRUE TO ME,I SHALL RAISE
THE DISPIS'D HEAD OF POETRY AGAINE,& STRIPPING HER
OUT OF THOSE ROTTEN AND BASE RAGGES,WHEREWITH THE
TIMES HAUE ADULTERATED HER FORME,RESTORE HER TO
HER PRIMITIUE HABITE, FEATURE, AND MAIESTY,AND
RENDER HER WORTHY TO BE IMBRACED, AND KIST, OF ALL THE
GREAT AND MAISTER SPIRITS OF OUR WORLD.AS FOR THE
VILE,AND SLOTHFULL,WHO NEUER AFFECTED AN ACT,WORTHY
OF CELEBRATION,OR ARE SO INWARD WITH THEIR OWNE VICIOUS
NATURES,AS THEY WORTHELY FEARE HER;AND THINKE
IT A HIGH POINT OF POLICIE,TO KEEPE HER IN CONTEMPT
WITH THEIR DECLAMATORY,AND WINDY INUECTIUES :SHEE
SHALL OUT OF IUST RAGE INCITE HER SERUANTS(WHO ARE
GENUS IRITABILE)TO SPOUT INKE IN THEIR FACES,THAT SHALL
EATE, FARDER THEN THEIR MARROW,INTO THEIR FAMES;AND
NOT CINNAMVS THE BARBER,WITH HIS ART,SHALL BE
ABLE TO TAKE OUT THE BRANDS,BUT THEY SHALL LIUE,AND BE
READ, TILL THE WRETCHES DIE,AS THINGS WORST DESERUING OF
THEMSELUES IN CHIEFE,AND THEN
OF ALL MANKIND.
FROM MY HOUSE IN THE BLACK-FRIARS THIS 11. OF FEBRUARY.1607.
THE ARGVMENT.
VOLPONE,CHILDLESSE,RICH,FAINES SICK, DESPAIRES,
OFFERS HIS STATE TO HOPES OF SEUERALL HEYRES,
LIES LANGUISHING;HIS PARASITE RECEAUES
PRESENTS OF ALL,ASSURES,DELUDES:THEN WEAUES
OTHER CROSSE-PLOTS,WHICH OPE 'THEMSELUES,ARE TOLD.
NEW TRICKS FOR SAFETY,ARE FOUGHT;THEY THRIUE:WHEN,BOLD,
EACH TEMPT'S TH'OTHER AGAINE,AND ALL ARE SOLD.
THE PROLOGVE.
NOW, LUCK GOD SEND VS,AND A LITTLE WIT
WILL SERUE,TO MAKE OUR PLAY HIT;
(ACCORDING TO THE PALATES OF THE SEASON)
HERE IS RIME,NOT EMPTIE OF REASON:
THIS WE WERE BID TO CREDIT,FROM OUR POET,
WHOSE TRUE SCOPE,IF YOU WOULD KNOWE IT,
IN ALL HIS POEMES,STILL,HATH BEENE THIS MEASURE,
TO MIXE PROFIT,WITH YOUR PLEASURE;
AND NOT AS SOME(WHOSE THROATES THEIR ENUIE FAYLING)
CRIE HOARCELY,ALL HE WRITES,IS RAYLING:
AND,WHEN HIS PLAYES COME FORTH,THINKE THEY CAN FLOUT THEM,
WITH SAYING, HE WAS A YEARE ABOUT THEM.
TO THESE THERE NEEDES NO LYE,BUT THIS HIS CREATURE,
WHICH WAS,TWO MONTHES SINCE,NO FEATURE;
AND,THOUGH HE DARES GIUE THEM FIUE LIUES TO MEND IT,
'TIS KNOWNE,FIUE WEEKES FULLY PEN'D IT:
FROM HIS OWNE HAND,WITHOUT A CO-ADIUTOR,
NOUICE,IORNEY-MAN,OR TUTOR.
YET, THUS MUCH I CAN GIUE YOU,AS A TOKEN
OF HIS PLAYES WORTH,NO EGGES ARE BROKEN;
NOR QUAKING CUSTARDS WITH FEIRCE TEETH AFFRIGHTED,
WHEREWITH YOUR ROUTE ARE SO DELIGHTED;
NOR HALES HEE IN A GULL,OLD ENDS RECITING,
TO STOP GAPPES IN HIS LOOSE WRITING;
WITH SUCH A DEALE OF MONSTROUS,AND FORC'D ACTION:
AS MIGHT MAKE BETHLEM A FACTION:
NOR MADE HE 'HIS PLAY,FOR IESTS,STOLNE FROM EACH TABLE,
BUT MAKES IESTS,TO FIT HIS FABLE.
AND, SO PRESENTS QUICK COMOEDY,REFINED,
AS BEST CRITICKS HAUE DESIGNED,
THE LAWES OF TIME,PLACE,PERSONS HE OBSERUETH,
FROM NO NEEDEFULL RULE HE SWERUETH.
ALL GALL,AND COPPRESSE,FROM HIS INKE,HE DRAYNETH,
ONELIE,A LITTLE SALT REMAINETH;
WHEREWITH,HEE'LL RUB YOUR CHEEKES,TILL(RED WITH LAUGHTER)
THEY SHALL LOOKE FRESH,A WEEKE AFTER.
<TITLE THE FOXE.>
  <SN ACT, 1. SCENE.1.>
<Q VOLPONE.> GOOD MORNING TO THE DAY;AND,NEXT,MY GOLD:
OPEN THE SHRINE,THAT I MAY SEE MY SAINT.
HAYLE THE WORLDS SOULE,AND MINE. MORE GLAD THEN IS
THE TEEMING EARTH,TO SEE THE LONGD-FOR SUNNE
PEEPE THROUGH THE HORNES OF THE CAELESTIALL RAM,
AM I, TO VIEW THY SPLENDOR,DARKENING HIS:
THAT LYING HERE,AMONGST MY OTHER HOORDES,
SHEW'ST LIKE A FLAME,BY NIGHT;OR LIKE THE DAY
STROOKE OUT OF CHAOS,WHEN ALL DARKENES FLED
VNTO THE CENTER. O THOU SONNE OF SOL,
(BUT BRIGHTER THEN THY FATHER)LET MEN KISSE,
WITH ADORATION,THEE,AND EUERY RELIQUE
OF SACRED TREASURE,IN THIS BLESSED ROOME.
WELL DID WISE POETS,BY THY GLORIOUS NAME,
TITLE THAT AGE,WHICH THEY WOULD HAUE THE BEST;
THOU BEING THE BEST OF THINGS:AND FAR TRANSCENDING
ALL STILE OF IOY,IN CHILDREN,PARENTS,FRIENDS,
OR ANY OTHER WAKING DREAME ON EARTH.
THY LOOKES WHEN THEY TO VENUS DID ASCRIBE,
THEY SHOULD HAUE GIU'N HER TWENTY THOUSAND CUPIDS;
SUCH ARE THY BEAUTIES,AND OUR LOUES. DEARE SAINT,
RICHES,THE DOMBE GOD,THAT GIU'ST ALL MEN TONGUES;
THAT CANST DOE NAUGHT,AND YET MAK'ST MEN DOE ALL THINGS;
THE PRICE OF SOULES;EUEN HELL,WITH THEE TO BOOTE,
IS MADE WORTH HEAUEN. THOU ART VERTUE,FAME,
HONOR,AND ALL THINGS ELSE. WHO CAN GET THEE
HE SHALL BE NOBLE,VALIANT,HONEST,WISE,-
<Q MOS.> AND WHAT HE WILL SIR. RICHES ARE IN FORTUNE
A GREATER GOOD,THEN WISEDOME IS IN NATURE.
<Q VOLP.> TRUE,MY BELOUED MOSCA. YET,I GLORY
MORE IN THE CUNNING PURCHASE OF MY WEALTH,
THEN IN THE GLAD PODESSION;SINCE I GAINE
NO COMMON WAY:I VSE NO TRADE, NO VENTER;
I WOUND NO EARTH WTIH PLOW-SHARES;FAT NO BEASTS
TO FEEDE THE SHAMBLES;HAUE NO MILLS FOR IRON
OYLE,CORNE,OR MEN TO GRINDE 'HEM INTO POULDER;
I BLOW NO SUBTILL GLASSE;EXPOSE NO SHIPPS
TO THREATNINGS OF THE FURROW-FACED SEA;
I TURNE NO MONEYS,IN THE PUBLIKE BANKE;
NOR VSURE PRIUATE <Q MOS.> NO SIR,NOR DEUOURE
SOFT PRODIGALLS. YOU SHALL HA' SOME WILL SWALLOW
A MELTING HEIRE,AS GLIBLY,AS YOUR DUTCH
WILL PILLS OF BUTTER,AND NERE PURGE FOR'T;
TEARE FORTH THE FATHERS OF POORE FAMILIES
OUT OF THEIR BEDS,AND COFFIN THEM,ALIUE,
IN SOME KINDE,CLASPING PRISON,WHERE THEIR BONES
MAY BE FORTH-COMMING,WHEN THE FLESH IS ROTTEN:
BUT YOUR SWEET NATURE DOTH ABHORRE THESE COURSES;
YOU LOATH,THE WIDDOWES,OR THE ORPHANS TEARES
SHOULD WASHE YOUR PAUEMENTS;OR THEIR PITYOUS CRIES
RING IN YOUR ROOFES:AND BEATE THE AYRE,FOR VENGEANCE.
<Q VOLP.> RIGHT,MOSCA,I DO LOATH IT.<Q MOS.> AND BESIDES,SIR,
YOU ARE NOT LIKE A THRESHER,THAT DOTH STAND
WITH A HUGE FLAILE,WATCHING A HEAPE OF CORNE,
AND,HUNGRY,DARES NOT TASTE THE SMALLEST GRAINE,
BUT FEEDES ON MALLOWES,AND SUCH BITTER HERBES;
NOR LIKE THE MERCHANT,WHO HATH FILL'D HIS VAULTS
WITH ROMAGNIA,AND RICH CANDIAN WINES,
YET DRINKS THE LEES OF LOMBARDS VINEGER:
YOU WILL NOT LIE IN STRAW,WHILST MOTHES,AND WORMES
FEED ON YOUR SUMPTUOUS HANGINGS, AND SOFT BEDDS.
YOU KNOW THE VSE OF RICHES,AND DARE GIUE,NOW,
FROM THAT BRIGHT HEAPE,TO MEE,YOUR POORE OBSERUER,
OR TO YOUR DWARFE, OR YOUR HERMAPHRODITE,
YOUR EUNUCH,OR WHAT OTHER HOUSEHOLD-TRIFLE
YOUR PLEASURE ALLOWES MAINT'NANCE. <Q VOLP.> HOLD THEE,MOSCA,
TAKE OF MY HAND;THOU STRIK'ST ON TRUTH,IN ALL:
AND THEY ARE ENUIOUS,TERME THEE PARASITE.
CALL FORTH MY DWARFE,MY EUNUCH, AND MY FOOLE,
AND LET'HEM MAKE MEN SPORT.WHAT SHOULD I DO,
BUT COCKER VP MY GENIUS,AND LIUE FREE
TO ALL DELIGHTS,MY FORTUNE CALLS MEN TO?
I HAUE NO WIFE,NO PARENT,CHILDE,ALLYE,
TO GIUE MY SUBSTANCE TO;BUT WHOM I MAKE,
MUST BE MY HEYRE:AND THIS MAKES MEN OBSERUE ME.
THIS DRAWES NEWE CLIENTS,DAYLY,TO MY HOUSE,
WOMEN,AND MEN, OF EUERY SEXE,AND AGE,
THAT BRING MEN PRESENTS,SEND MEN PLATE,COYNE,IEWELS,
WITH HOPE,THAT WHEN I DIE,(WHICH THEY EXPECT
EACH GREEDY MINUTE)IT SHALL THEN RETURNE,
TEN-FOLD,VPON THEM;WHILST SOME,COUETOUS
ABOUE THE REST,SEEKE TO ENGROSSE ME,WHOLE,
AND COUNTER-WORKE,THE ONE,VNTO THE OTHER,
CONTEND IN GIFTS,AS THEY WOULD SEEME,IN LOUE:
ALL WHICH I SUFFER,PLAYING WITH THEIR HOPES,
AND AM CONTENT TO COYNE 'HEM INTO PROFIT,
AND LOOKE VPON THEIR KINDNESS,AND TAKE MORE,
AND LOOKE ON THAT;STILL BEARING THEM IN HAND,
LETTING THE CHERRY KNOCK AGAINST THEIR LIPS,
AND,DRAWE IT,BY THEIR MOUTHS,AND BACK AGAINE. HOW NOW^
  <SN ACT. 1. SCENE. 2.>
<Q NANO.> NOW ROOME,FOR FRESH GAMSTERS,WHO DO WILL YOU TO KNOW,
THEY DO BRING YOU NEITHER PLAY,NOR VNIUERSITY SHOWS,
AND THEREFORE DO INTREAT YOU,THAT WHATSOEUER THEY REHERSE,
MAY NOT FARE A WHIT THE WORSE,FOR THE FALSE PASE OF THE VERSE.
IF YOU WONDER AT THIS,YOU WILL WONDER MORE,ERE WE PASSE,
FOR KNOW,HERE IS INCLOS'D THE SOULE OF PITHAGORAS,
THAT IUGLER DIUINE,AS HEREAFTER SHALL FOLLOW;
WHICH SOULE (FAST,AND LOOSE,SIR)CAME FIRST FROM APOLLO,
AND WAS BREATH'D INTO AETHALIDES, MERCURIUS HIS SONNE,
WHERE IT HAD THE GIFT TO REMEMBER ALL THAT EUER WAS DONE.
FROM THENCE IT FLED FORTH,AND MADE QUICKE TRANSMIGRATION
TO GOLDY-LOCKT EUPHORBUS,WHO WAS KILL'D,IN GOOD FASHION,
AT THE SEEGE OF OLD TROY,BY THE CUCKOLD OF SPARTA.
HERMOTIMUS WAS NEXT(I FINDE IT,IN MY CHARTA)
TO WHOME IT DID PASSE,WHERE NO SOONER IT WAS MISSING,
BUT WITH ONE PIRRHUS,OF DELOS,IT LEARN'D TO GO A FISHING:
AND THENCE,DID IT ENTER THE SOPHIST OF GREECE.
FROM PITHAGORE,SHE WENT INTO A BEAUTIFULL PEECE,
HIGHT ASPASIA,THE MERETRIX;AND THE NEXT TOSSE OF HER
WAS, AGAINE,OF A WHORE,SHE BECAME A PHILOSOPHER,
CRATES THE CYNICK:(AS IT SELFE DOTH RELATE IT)
SINCE, KINGS, KNIGHTS, & BEGGARS, LORDS & FOOLES GAT IT,
BESIDES,OXE,AND ASSE,CAMMEL,MULE,GOAT,AND BROCK,
IN ALL WHICH IT HATH SPOKE,AS IN THE COBLERS COCK.
BUT I COME NOT HERE,TO DISCOURSE OF THAT MATTER,
OR HIS ONE,TWO,OR THREE, OR HIS GREAT OATH,BY QUATER,
HIS MUSICKS, HIS TRIGON,HIS GOLDEN THIGH,
OR HIS TELLING HOW ELEMENTS SHIFT:BUT I
WOULD ASKE,HOW OF LATE,THOU HAST SUFFERED TRANSLATION,
AND SHIFTED THY COAT,IN THESE DAYES OF REFORMATION?
<Q AND.> LIKE ONE OF THE REFORMED,A FOOLE,AS YOU SEE,
COUNTING ALL OLD DOCTRINE HERESIE:
<Q NAN.> BUT NOT ON THINE OWNE FORBID MEATES HAST THOU VENTER'D?
<Q AND.> ON FISH,WHEN FIRST, A CARTHUSIAN I ENTER'D.
<Q NAN.> WHY,THEN THY DOGMATICALL SILENCE HATH LEFT THEE?
<Q AND.> OF THAT AN OBSTREPEROUS LAWYER BEREFT MEE.
<Q NAN.> O WONDERFULL CHANGE^WHEN SIR LAWYER FORSOOKE THEE,
FOR PITHAGORE'S SAKE,WHAT BODY THEN TOOKE THEE?
<Q AND.> A GOOD DULL MOYLE. <Q NAN.> AND HOW? BY THAT MEANES,
THOU WERT BROUGHT TO ALLOW OF THE EATING OF BEANES?
<Q AND.> YES. <Q NAN.> BUT,FROM THE MOYLE,INTO WHOM DID'ST THOU PASSE?
<Q AND.> INTO A VERY STRANGE BEAST,BY SOME WRITERS CAL'D AN ASSE;
BY OTHERS,A PRECISE,PURE,ILLUMINATE BROTHER,
OF THOSE DEUOURE FLESH,AND SOMETIMES ONE AN OTHER:
AND WILL DROP YOU FORTH A LIBELL,OR A SANCTIFIED LIE,
BETWIXT EUERY SPOONEFUL OF A NATIUITY PIE.
<Q NAN.> NOW QUIT THEE,FOR HEAUEN,OF THAT PROFANE NATION;
AND GENTLY,REPORT THY NEXT TRANSMIGRATION.
<Q AND.> TO THE SAME THAT I AM. <Q NAN.> A CREATURE OF DELIGHT?
AND(WHAT IS MORE THEN A FOOLE) AN HERMAPHRODITE?
NOW'PRAY THEE,SWEET SOULE,IN ALL THY VARIATION,
WHICH BODY WOULDST THOU CHOOSE,TO TAKE VP THY STATION?
<Q AND.> TROTH,THIS I AM IN,EUEN HERE WOULD I TARRY.
<Q NAN.> 'CAUSE HERE,THE DELIGHT OF EACH SEXE THOU CANST VARIE?
<Q AND.> ALAS, THOSE PLEASURES BE STALE,AND FORSAKEN;
NO,TIS YOUR FOOLE,WHEREWITH I AM SO TAKEN,
THE ONELY ONE CREATURE, THAT I CAN CALL BLESSED:
FOR ALL OTHER FORMES I HAUE PROU'D MOST DISTRESSED.
<Q NAN.> SPOKE TRUE,AS THOU WERT IN PITHAGORAS STILL.
THIS LEARNED OPINION WE CELEBRATE WILL,
FELLOW EUUNCH(AS BEHOOUES VS)WITH ALL OUR WIT,AND ARTE,
TO DIGNIFIE THAT,WHEREOF OUR SELUES ARE SO GREAT,AND SPECIAL A PART.
<Q VOL.> NOW VERY,VERY PRETTY:MOSCA,THIS
WAS THY INUENTION?<Q MOS.> IF IT PLEASE MY PATRON,
NOT ELSE. <Q VOL.> IT DOTH GOOD MOSCA. <Q MOS.> THEN IT WAS SIR.
SONG.
FOOLES,THEY ARE THE ONELY NATION
WORTH MENS ENUY,OR ADMIRATION;
FREE FROM CARE,OR SORROW-TAKING,
THEMSELUES,AND OTHERS MERRY MAKING:
ALL THEY SPEAKE,OR DO,IS STERLING.
YOUR FOOLE,HE IS YOUR GREAT MANS DEARLING,
AND YOUR LADIES SPORT,AND PLEASURE;
TONGUE,AND BABLE ARE HIS TREASURE.
HIS VERY FACE BEGETTETH LAUGHTER,
AND BE SPEAKES TRUTH,FREE FROM SLAUGHTER;
HE'S THE GRACE OF EUERY FEAST,
AND,SOMETIMES,THE CHEEFEST GUEST:
HATH HIS TRENCHER,AND HIS STOOLE,
WHEN WIT SHALL WAITE VPON THE FOOLE:
O, WHO WOULD NOT BEE
HEE,HEE,HEE?
<Q VOLP.> WHO'S THAT? AWAY,LOOKE MOSCA. <Q MOS.> FOOLE,BE GON,
'TIS SIGNIOR VOLTORE,THE ADUOCATE,
I KNOW HIM,BY HIS KNOCK. <Q VOLP.> FETCH ME MY GOWNE,
MY FURRES,AND NIGHT-CAPS;SAY,MY COUCH IS CHANGING:
AND LET HIM INTERTAINE HIMSELFE,A WHILE,
WITHIN I'TH' GALLERY. NOW,NOW,MY CLIENTS
BEGINNE THEIR VISITATION;VULTURE,KITE,
RAVEN,AND GOR-CROWE, ALL MY BIRDS OF PREY,
THAT THINKE MEN TURNING CARCASSE,NOW THEY COME:
I AM NOT FOR 'HEM YET.HOW NOW?THE NEWES?
<Q MOS.> A PEECE OF PLATE,SIR. <Q VOLP.> OF WHAT BIGNESSE? <Q MOS.>
HUGE,
MASSIE,AND ANTIQUE,WITH YOUR NAME INSCRIB'D,
AND ARMES INGRAUEN.<Q VOLP.> GOOD, AND NOT A FOXE
STRETCH'D ON THE EARTH,WITH FINE DELUSIUE SLEIGHTS,
MOCKING A GAPING CROW? HA,MOSCA? <Q MOS.> SHARPE,SIR.
<Q VOLP.> GIUE ME MY FURRES. WHY DOST THOU LAUGH SO,MAN?
<Q MOS.> I CANNOT CHOOSE,SIR,WHEN I APPREHEND
WHAT THOUGHTS HE HAS (WITHIN) NOW,AS HE WALKS:
THAT THIS MIGHT BE THE LAST GIFT,HE SHOULD GIUE;
THAT THIS WOULD FETCH YOU;IF YOU DIED TO DAY,
AND GAUE HIM ALL,WHAT HE SHOULD BE TO MORROW;
WHAT LARGE RETURNE WOULD COME OF ALL HIS VENTERS;
HOW HE SHOULD WORSHIP'D BEE,AND REUERENC'D;
RIDE,WITH HIS FURRES,AND FOOTE-CLOTHS;WAITED ON
BY HEARDS OF FOOLES,AND CLIENTS;HAUE CLEARE WAY
MADE FOR HIS MOYLE,AS LETTER'D AS HIMSELFE;
BE CALD THE GREAT,AND LEARNED ADUOCATE:
AND THEN CONCLUDES,THERE'S NOUGHT IMPOSSIBLE.
<Q VOLP.> YES,TO BE LEARNED,MOSCA;<Q MOS.> O NO: RICH
IMPLIES IT. HOOD AN ASSE,WITH REUEREND PURPLE,
SO YOU CAN HIDE HIS TWO AMBITIOUS EARES,
AND,HE SHALL PASSE FOR A CATHEDRALL DOCTOR.
<Q VOLP.> MY CAPS,MY CAPS,GOOD MOSCA,FETCH HIM IN.
<Q MOS.> STAY, SIR,YOUR OINTMENT FOR YOUR EYES. <Q VOLP.> THAT'S TRUE;
DISPATCH,DISPATCH:I LONG TO HAUE POSSESSION
OF MY NEWE PRESENT. <Q MOS.> THAT,AND THOUSANDS MORE,
I HOPE,TO SEE YOU LORD OF. <Q VOLP.> THANKES,KIND MOSCA.
<Q MOS.> AND THAT,WHEN I AM LOST IN BLENDED DUST,
AND HUNDRED SUCH AS I AM,IN SUCCESSION---
<Q VOLP.> NAY,THAT WERE TOO MUCH,MOSCA. <Q MOS.> YOU SHALL LIUE,
STILL,TO DELUDE THESE HARPYIES. <Q VOLP.> LOUING MOSCA,
'TIS WELL,MY PILLOW NOW,AND LET HIM ENTER.
NOW, MY FAIN'D COUGH,MY PHTHISICK,AND MY GOUTE,
MY APOPLEXIE,PALSIE,AND CATARRHE,
HELPE, WITH YOUR FORCED FUNCTIONS,THIS MY POSTURE,
WHEREIN,THIS THREE YEARE,I HAUE MILK'D THEIR HOPES.
HE COMES,I HEARE HIM(VH, VH, VH, VH,)O.
   <SN ACT.1. SCENE.3.>
<Q MOSCA.> YOU STILL ARE,WHAT YOU WERE,SIR.ONELY YOU
(OF ALL THE REST)ARE HE COMMANDS HIS LOUE:
AND YOU DO WISELY TO PRESERUE IT,THUS,
WITH EARLY VISITATION,AND KINDE NOTES
OF YOUR GOOD MEANING TO HIM,WHICH,I KNOW,
CANNOT BUT COME MOST GRATEFULL. PATRON,SIR,
HERE'S SIGNIOR VOLTORE IS COME- <Q VOLP.> WHAT SAY YOU?
<Q MOS.> SIR. SIGNIOR VOLTORE IS COME,THIS MORNING,
TO VISIT YOU. <Q VOLP.> I THANKE HIM. <Q MOS.> AND HATH BROUGHT
A PEECE OF ANTIQUE PLATE,BOUGHT OF ST.MARKE,
WITH WHICH HE HERE PRESENTS YOU. <Q VOLP.> HE IS WELCOME.
PRAY HIM,TO COME MORE OFTEN. <Q MOS.> YES. <Q VOLT.> WHAT SAIES HE?
<Q MOS.> HE THANKES YOU,AND DESIRES YOU SEE HIM OFTEN.
<Q VOLP.> MOSCA. <Q MO.> MY PATRON? <Q VOLP.> BRING HIM NEARE,WHERE IS HE?
I LONG TO FEELE HIS HAND. <Q MOS.> THE PLATE IS HERE SIR.
<Q VOLT.> HOW FARE YOU SIR? <Q VOLP.> I THANKE YOU,SIGNIOR VOLTORE.
WHERE IS THE PLATE?MINE EYES ARE BAD. <Q VOLT.> I'M SORRY,
TO SEE YOU STILL THUS WEAKE. <Q MOS.> THAT HEE IS NOT WEAKER.
<Q VOLP.> YOU ARE TOO MUNIFICENT. <Q VOLT.> NO SIR. WOULD TO HEAUEN,
I COULD AS WELL GIUE HEALTH TO YOU,AS THAT PLATE.
<Q VOLP.> YOU GIUE SIR. WHAT YOU CAN. I THANKE YOU. YOUR LOUE
HATH TAST IN THIS,AND SHALL NOT BE VNANSWER'D.
I PRAY YOU SEE ME OFTEN. <Q VOLT.> YES,I SHALL SIR.
<Q VOLP.> BE NOT FAR FROM MEE. <Q MOS.> DO YOU OBSERUE THAT SIR?
<Q VOLP.> HEARKEN VNTO MEE,STILL.IT WILL CONCERNE YOU.
<Q MOS.> YOU ARE A HAPPY MAN SIR,KNOW YOUR GOOD.
<Q VOLP.> I CANNOT NOW LAST LONG. <Q MOS.> YOU ARE HIS HEYRE SIR.
<Q VOLT.> AM I? <Q VOLP.> I FEELE MEE GOING, (VH,VH,VH,VH.)
I AM SAYLING TO MY PORT,(VH, VH, VH, VH?)
AND I AM GLAD,I AM SO NEERE MY HAUEN.
<Q MOS.> ALAS,KINDE GENTLEMAN,WELL,WE MUST ALL GO.
<Q VOLT.> BUT,MOSCA. <Q MOS.> AGE WILL CONQUER. <Q VOLT.> PRAY THEE
HEARE MEE.
AM I INSCRIB'D HIS HEIRE,FOR CERTAINE? <Q MOS.> ARE YOU?
I DO BESEECH YOU SIR. YOU WILL VOUCHSAFE
TO WRITE ME,I'YOUR FAMILY. ALL MY HOPES,
DEPEND VPON YOUR WORSHIP;I AM LOST,
EXCEPT THE RISING SUNNE DO SHINE ON ME.
<Q VOLT.> IT SHALL BOTH SHINE,AND WARME THEE, MOSCA. <Q MOS.> SIR.
I AM A MAN,THAT HAUE NOT DONE YOUR LOUE
ALL THE WORST OFFICES,HERE I WEARE YOUR KEYS,
SEE ALL YOUR COFFERS,AND YOUR CASKETS LOCKT,
KEEPE THE POORE INUENTORIE OF YOUR IEWELS,
YOUR PLATE,AND MONEYES,AM YOUR STEWARD SIR.
HUSBAND YOUR GOODS HERE. <Q VOLT.> BUT AM I SOLE HEYRE?
<Q MOS.> WITHOUT A PARTNER SIR.CONFIRMDE THIS MORNING;
THE WAXE IS WARME YET,AND THE INKE SCARSE DRY
VPON THE PARCHMENT: <Q VOLT.> HAPPY,HAPPY MEE^
BY WHAT GOOD CHANCE,SWEETE MOSCA? <Q MOS.> YOUR DESERT SIR;
I KNOW NO SECOND CAUSE. <Q VOLT.> THY MODESTY
IS LOATH TO KNOW IT;WELL,WE SHALL REQUITE IT.
<Q MOS.> HE EUER LIK'D YOUR COURSE SIR.THAT FIRST TOOKE HIM.
I, OFT, HAUE HEARD HIM SAY,HOW HE ADMIR'D
MEN OF YOUR LARGE PROFESSION,THAT COULD SPEAKE
TO EUERY CAUSE,AND THINGS MERE CONTRARIES,
TILL THEY WERE HOARSE AGAINE,YET ALL BEE LAW;
THAT, WITH MOST QUICKE AGILITY,COULD TURNE,
AND RETURNE;MAKE KNOTS,AND VNDOE THEM;
GIUE FORKED COUNCELL;TAKE PROUOKING GOLD
ON EYTHER HAND,AND PUT IT VP:THESE MEN,
HE KNEWE,WOULD THRIUE,WITH THEIR HUMILITY.
AND (FOR HIS PART)HE THOUGHT,HE SHOULD BE BLEST
TO HAUE HIS HEYRE OF SUCH A SUFFERING SPIRIT,
SO WISE,SO GRAUE,OF SO PERPLEX'D A TONGUE,
AND LOUD WITHALL,THAT WOULD NOT WAG,NOR SCARCE
LIE STILL,WITHOUT A FEE;WHEN EUERY WORD
YOUR WORSHIP BUT LETS FALL,IS A CECCHINE.
WHO'S THAT? ONE KNOCKES,I WOULD NOT HAUE YOU SEENE SIR.
AND YET-PRETEND YOU CAME,AND WENT IN HAST;
ILE FASHION AN EXCUSE. AND,GENTLE SIR,
WHEN YOU DO COME TO SWIM,IN GOLDEN LARD,
VP TO THE ARMES,IN HONEY,THAT YOUR CHIN
IS BORNE VP STIFFE,WITH FATNESSE OF THE FLOOD,
THINKE ON YOUR VASSALL;BUT REMEMBER MEE:
I HA'NOT BEENE YOUR WORST OF CLIENTS. <Q VOLT.> MOSCA-
<Q MOS.> WHEN WILL YOU HAUE YOUR INUENTORY BROUGHT,SIR.
OR SEE A COPPY OF THE WILL? ANONE,
ILE BRING 'HEM TO YOU SIR. AWAY,BE GON,
PUT BUSINESSE I'YOUR FACE. <Q VOLP.> EXCELLENT MOSCA^
COME HITHER,LET MEN KISSE THEE. <Q MOS.> KEEPE YOU STILL SIR.
HERE IS CORBACCIO. <Q VOLP.> SET THE PLATE AWAY,
THE VULTURE'S GONE,AND THE OLD RAUEN'D COME.
   <SN ACT.1. SCENE.4.>
<Q MOSCA.> BETAKE YOU,TO YOUR SILENCE,AND YOUR SLEEPE:
STAND THERE,AND MULTIPLY. NOW,SHALL WE SEE
A WRETCH,WHO IS (INDEED)MORE IMPOTENT,
THEN THIS CAN FAYNE TO BEE;YET HOPES TO HOP
OUER HIS GRAUE. SIGNIOR CORBACCIO,
YO'ARE VERY WELCOME,SIR. <Q CORB.> HOW DO'S YOUR PATRON?
<Q MOS.> TROTH AS HE DID,SIR,NO AMENDS. <Q CORB.> WHAT?MENDES
HEE?
<Q MOS.> NO,SIR:HE IS RATHER WORSE. <Q CORB.> THAT'S WELL. WHERE
IS HEE?
<Q MOS:> VPON HIS COUCH SIR,NEWLY FALL'N A SLEEPE.
<Q CORB.> DO'S HEE SLEEPE WELL? <Q MOS.> NO WINKE, SIR, ALL THIS NIGHT,
NOR YESTERDAY,BUT SLUMBERS. <Q CORB.> GOOD. HE SHOULD TAKE
SOME COUNSELL OF PHYSITIANS:I HAUE BROUGHT HIM
AN OPIATE HERE,FROM MINE OWNE DOCTOR-
<Q MOS.> HE WILL NOT HEARE OF DRUGS. <Q CORB .> WHY?I MY SELFE
STOOD BY,WHILE 'T WAS MADE;SAW ALL TH'INGREDIENTS:
AND KNOW,IT CANNOT BUT MOST GENTLY WORKE.
MY LIFE FOR HIS,'TIS BUT TO MAKE HIM SLEEPE.
<Q VOLP.> I,HIS LAST SLEEPE,IF HE WOULD TAKE IT. <Q MOS.> SIR,
HE HA'S NO FAITH IN PHYSICK: <Q CORB.> 'SAY YOU? 'SAY YOU?
<Q MOS.> HE HAS NO FAITH IN PHYSICK: HE DO'S THINKE
MOST OF YOUR DOCTORS ARE THE GREATER DANGER,
AND WORSE DISEASE,T'ESCAPE. I OFTEN HAUE
HEARD HIM PROTEST,THAT YOUR PHYSITIAN
SHOULD NEUER BE HIS HEYRE. <Q CORB.> NOT I HIS HEYRE?
<Q MOS.> NOT YOUR PHYSITIAN,SIR. <Q CORB.> O, NO, NO, NO,
I DO NOT MEANE IT. <Q MOS.>  NO SIR,NOT THEIR FEES
HE CANNOT BROOKE:HE SAYES,THEY FLEA A MAN,
BEFORE THY KILL HIM. <Q CORB.> RIGHT,I CONCEIUE YOU.
<Q MOS.> AND THEN,THEY DOE IT BY EXPERIMENT;
FOR WHICH THE LAW NOT ONELY DOTH ABSOLUE 'HEM,
BUT GIUES THEM GREAT REWARD:AND,HE IS LOATH
TO HIRE HIS DEATH,SO. <Q CORB.> IT IS TRUE,THEY KILL,
WITH AS MUCH LICENCE,AS A IUDGE. <Q MOS.> NAY MORE;
FOR HE BUT KILLS, SIR, WHERE THE LAW CONDEMNES,
AND THESE CAN KILL HIM,TOO;<Q CORB.> I,OR MEE:
OR ANY MAN. HOW DO'S HIS, APOPLEXE?
IS THAT STRONG ON HIM,STILL? <Q MOS.> MOST VIOLENT.
HIS SPEECH IS BROKEN,AND HIS EYES ARE SET,
HIS FACE DRAWNE LONGER, THEN T'WAS WONT-<Q CORB.> HOW?HOW?
STRONGER,THEN HE WAS WONT? <Q CORB.> NO, SIR:HIS FACE
DRAWNE LONGER,THEN T'WAS WONT. <Q CORB.> O,GOOD. <Q MOS.> HIS
MOUTH
IS EUER GAPING,AND HIS EYE-LIDS HANG. <Q CORB.> GOOD.
<Q MOS.> A FREEZING NUMNESSE STIFFENS ALL HIS IOYNTS,
AND MAKES THE COLOUR OF HIS FLESH LIKE LEAD. <Q CORB.> TIS
GOOD.
<Q MOS.> HIS PULSE BEATS SLOW,AND DULL. <Q CORB.> GOOD SYMPTOMES,
STILL,
<Q MOS.> AND,FROM HIS BRAINE-<Q CORB.> HA?HOW? NOT FROM HIS BRAINE?
<Q MOS.> YES,SIR,AND FROM HIS BRAINE-<Q CORB.> I CONCEIUE YOU,GOOD.
<Q MOS.> FLOWES A COLD SWEAT,WITH A CONTINUALL RHEWME,
FORTH THE RESOLUED CORNERS OF HIS EYES.
<Q CORB.> IS'T POSSIBLE?YET I AM BETTER,HA^
HOW DO'S HE,WITH THE SWIMMING OF HIS HEAD?
<Q MOS.> O,SIR TIS PAST,THE SCOTOMY;HE,NOW,
HATH LEFT HIS FEELING,AND HATH LEFT TO SNORT:
YOU HARDLY CAN PERCEIUE HIM,THAT HE BREATHS.
<Q CORB.> EXCELLENT,EXCELLENT,SURE I SHALL OUTLAST HIM:
THIS MAKES MEN YONG AGAINE,A SCORE OF YEARES.
<Q MOS.> I WAS A COMING FOR YOU,SIR. <Q CORB.> HAS HE MADE HIS WIL?
WHAT HAS HE GIU'N ME? <Q MOS.>  NO,SIR. <Q CORB.> NOTHING?HA?
<Q MOS.> HE HAS NOT MADE HIS WILL,SIR. <Q CORB.> OH,OH,OH.
BUT WHAT DID VOLTORE,THE LAWYER,HERE?
<Q MOS.> HE SMELT A CARCASSE SIR,WHEN HE BUT HEARD
MY MAISTER WAS ABOUT HIS TESTAMENT;
AS I DID VRGE HIM TO IT,FOR YOUR GOOD-
<Q CORB.> HE CAME VNTO HIM,DID HE? I THOUGHT SO.
<Q MOS.> YES,AND PRESENTED HIM THIS PEECE OF PLATE
<Q CORB.> TO BE HIS HEIRE' <Q MOS.> I DO NOT KNOW SIR. <Q CORB.> TRUE,
I KNOW IT TOO. <Q MOS.> BY YOUR OWNE SCALE,SIR. <Q CORB.> WELL,
I SHALL PREUENT HIM,YET. SEE MOSCA,LOOKE,
HERE,I HAUE BROUGHT A BAG OF BRIGHT CECCHINES,
WILL QUITE WEIGH DOWNE HIS PLATE. <Q MOS.> YEA MARRY,SIR.
THIS IS TRUE PHYSICK, THIS YOUR SACRED MEDICINE,
NO TALKE OF OPIATES,TO THIS GREAT ELIXIR.
<Q CORB.> 'TIS AURUM PALPABILE,IF NOT POTABILE.
<Q MOS.> IT SHALL BE MINISTER'D TO HIM,IN HIS BOULE?
<Q CORB.> I DOE, DOE, DOE. <Q MOS.> MOST BLESSED CORDIALL,
THIS WILL RECOUER HIM. <Q CORB.> YES, DOE, DOE, DOE.
<Q MOS.> I THINKE,IT WERE NOT BEST,SIR. <Q CORB.> WHAT? <Q MOS.> TO
RECOUER HIM,
<Q CORB.> O,NO,NO,NO;BY NO MEANES. <Q MOS.> WHY,SIR.THIS
WILL WORKE SOME STRANGE EFFECT IF HE BUT FEELE IT.
<Q CORB.> TIS TRUE,THEREFORE FORBEARE;ILE TAKE MY VENTER:
GIUE MEE'T AGAINE. <Q MOS.> AT NO HAND,PARDON MEE;
YOU SHALL NOT DOE YOUR SELFE THAT WRONG SIR.I
WILL SO ADUISE YOU,YOU SHALL HAUE IT ALL
<Q CROB.> HOW? <Q MOS.> ALL SIR.'TIS YOUR RIGHT,YOUR OWNE;NO MAN
CAN CLAIME A PART:'TIS YOURS,WITHOUT A RIUALL,
DECRE'D BY DESTINY. <Q CORB.> HOW? HOW,GOOD MOSCA?
<Q MOS.> ILE TELL YOU SIR. THIS FIT HE SHALL RECOUER;
<Q CORB.> I DO CONCEIUE YOU. <Q MOS.> AND,ON FIRST ADUANTAGE
OF HIS GAIN'D SENSE,WILL I RE-IMPORTUNE HIM
VNTO THE MAKING OF HIS TESTAMENT:
AND SHEW HIM THIS. <Q CORB.> GOOD, GOOD.<Q MOS.> 'TIS BETTER YET,
IF YOU WILL HEARE,SIR. <Q COR.> YES,WITH ALL MY HEART.
<Q MOS.> NOW,WOULD I COUNCELL YOU,MAKE HOME WITH SPEED;
THERE,FRAME A WILL; WHERETO YOU SHALL INSCRIBE
MY MAISTER YOUR SOLE HEYRE. <Q CORB.> AND DISINHERIT
MY SONNE? <Q MOS.> O SIR,THE BETTER:FOR THAT COLOUR
SHALL MAKE IT MUCH MORE TAKING.<Q CORB.> O,BUT COLOUR?
<Q MOS.> THIS WILL SIR,YOU SHALL SEND IT VNTO ME.
NOW,WHEN I COME TO INFORCE (AS I WILL DO)
YOUR CARES,YOUR WATCHINGS,AND YOUR MANY PRAYERS,
YOUR MORE THEN MANY GIFTS, YOUR THIS DAYES PRESENT,
AND,LAST,PRODUCE YOUR WILL;WHERE(WITHOUT THOUGHT,
OR LEAST REGARD,VNTO YOUR PROPER ISSUE,
A SONNE SO BRAUE,AND HIGHLY MERITING)
THE STREAME OF YOUR DIUERTED LOUE HATH THROWNE YOU
VPON MY MAISTER,AND MADE HIM YOUR HEYRE:
HE CANNOT BE SO STUPIDE,OR STONE DEAD,
BUT,OUT OF CONSCIENCE,AND MERE GRATITUDE-
<Q CORB.> HE MUST PRONOUNCE ME,HIS? <Q MOS.> 'TIS TRUE. <Q CORB.> THIS
PLOT DID I THINKE ON BEFORE. <Q MOS.> I DO BELEEUE IT.
<Q CORB.> DO YOU NOT BELEEUE IT? <Q MOS.> YES SIR. <Q CORB.> MINE
OWN PROIECT.
<Q MOS.> WHICH WHEN HE HATH DONE,SIR. <Q CORB.> PUBLISH'D ME HIS
HEIRE? <Q MOS.> AND YOU SO CERRTAINE,TO SURUIUE HIM. <Q CORB.> I.
<Q MOS.> BEEING SO LUSTY A MAN. <Q CORB.> 'TIS TRUE. <Q MOS.> YES SIR.
<Q CORB.> I THOUGHT ON THAT TOO.SEE,HOW HE SHOULD BE
THE VERY ORGAN,TO EXPRESSE MY THOUGHTS^
<Q MOS.> YOU HAUE NOT ONELY DONE YOUR SELFE A GOOD,
<Q CORB.> BUT MULTIPLIED IT ON MY SONNE? <Q MOS.> 'TIS RIGHT,SIR.
<Q CORB.> STILL,MY INUENTION. <Q MOS.> 'LASSE SIR,HEAUEN KNOWES,
IT HATH BEENE ALL MY STUDY,ALL MY CARE,
(I'EENE GROW GREY WITHALL)HOW TO WORKE THINGS-
<Q CORB.> I DO CONCEIUE,SWEET MOSCA. <Q MOS.> YOU ARE HE,
FOR WHOM I LABOUR,HERE. <Q CORB.> I,DOE,DOE,DOE:
ILE STRAIGHT ABOUT IT. <Q MOS.> ROOKE GO,WITH YOU,RAUEN.
<Q CORB.> I KNOW THEE HONEST. <Q MOS.> YOU DOE LIE,SIR. <Q CORB.> AND--
<Q MOS.> YOUR KNOWLEDGE IS NO BETTER THEN YOUR CARES,SIR.
<Q CORB.> I DO NOT DOUBT,TO BE A FATHER TO THEE.
<Q MOS.> NOR I,TO GULL MY BROTHER OF HIS BLESSING.
<Q CORB.> I MAY HA MY YOUTH RESTOR'D TO MEE,WHY NOT?
<Q MOS.> YOUR WORSHIP IS A PRECIOUS ASSE. <Q CORB.> WHAT SAI'ST
THOU? <Q MOS.> I DO DESIRE YOUR WORSHIP,TO MAKE HAST,SIR.
<Q CORB.> 'TIS DONE,'TIS DONE,I GO. <Q VOLP.> O,I SHALL BURST;
LET OUT MY SIDES,LET OUT MY SIDES-<Q MOS.> CONTAINE
YOUR FLUZE OF LAUGHTER,SIR;YOU KNOW,THIS HOPE
IS SUCH A BAITE,IT COUERS ANY HOOKE.
<Q VOLP.> O,BUT THY WORKING,AND THY PLACING IT^
I CANNOT HOLD;GOOD RASCALL,LET MEN KISSE THEE:
I NEUER KNEW THEE,IN SO RARE A HUMOR.
<Q MOS.> ALAS SIR,I BUT DO,AS I AM TAUGHT;
FOLLOW YOUR GRAUE INSTRUCTIONS;GIUE 'HEM WORDS;
POWRE OYLE INTO THEIR EARES:AND SEND THEM HENCE.
<Q VOLP.> 'TIS TRUE,'TIS TRUE. WHAT A RARE PUNISHMENT
IS AUARICE,TO IT SELFE.? <Q MOS.> I,WITH OUR HELPE,SIR.
<Q VOLP.> SO MANY CARES,SO MANY MALADIES,
SO MANY FEARES ATTENDING ON OLD AGE,
YEA, DEATH SO OFTEN CALL'D ON,AS NO WISH
CAN BE MORE FREQUENT WITH 'HEM,THEIR LIMBES FAINT,
THEIR SENSES DULL,THEIR SEEING,HEARING,GOING
ALL DEAD BEFORE THEM;YEA,THEIR VERY TEETH,
THEIR INSTRUMENTS OF EATING,FAILING THEM:
YET THIS IS RECKON'D LIFE^NAY,HERE WAS ONE,
IS NOW GONE HOME,THAT WISHES TO LIUE LONGER^
FEELES NOT HIS GOUT,NOR PALSY,FAINES HIMSELFE
YONGER,BY SCORES OF YEARES,FLATTERS HIS AGE,
WITH CONFIDENT BELYING IT,HOPES HE MAY
WITH CHARMES,LIKE AESON,HAUE HIS YOUTH RESTOR'D,
AND WITH THESE THOUGHTS SO BATTENS,AS IF FATE
WOULD BE AS EASILY CHEATED ON,AS HE,
AND ALL TURNES AYRE^WHO'S THAT,THERE,NOW? A THIRD?
<Q MOS.> CLOSE,TO YOUR COUCH AGAINE:I HEARE HIS VOICE.
IT IS CORUINO,OUR SPRUCE MERCHANT. <Q VOLP.> DEAD.
<Q MOS.> ANOTHER BOUT,SIR,WITH YOUR EYES. WHO'S THERE?
   <SN ACT. SCENE.5.>
<Q MOSCA.> SIGNIOR CORUINO^COME MOST WISHT FOR^O,
HOW HAPPY WERE YOU,IF YOU KNEW IT,NOW^
<Q CORV.> WHY? WHAT? WHEREIN? <Q MOS.> THE TARDIE HOURE IS
COME,SIR.
<Q CORV.> HE IS NOT DEAD? <Q MOS.> NOT DEAD,SIR,BUT AS GOOD;
HE KNOWES NO MAN. <Q CORV.> HOW SHALL I DO THEN? <Q MOS.> WHY
SIR? <Q CORV.> I HAUE BROUGHT HIM,HERE,A PEARLE. <Q MOS.> PERHAPS,HE HAS
SO MUCH REMEMBRANCE LEFT,AS TO KNOW YOU,SIR;
HE STILL CALLS ON YOU,NOTHING BUT YOUR NAME
IS IN HIS MOUTH:IS YOUR PEARLE ORIENT,SIR?
<Q CORV.> VENICE WAS NEUER OWNER OF THE LIKE.
<Q VOLP.> SIGNIOR CORUINO. <Q MOS.> HEARKE. <Q VOLP.> SIGNIOR
CORUINO. <Q MOS.> 'HE CALLS YOU,STEP AND GIUE IT HIM. H'IS HERE,SIR,
AND HE HAS BROUGHT YOU A RICH PEARLE. <Q CORV.> HOW DOE YOU
SIR? TELL HIM,IT DOUBLES THE TWELFE CARACT. <Q MOS.> SIR,
HE CANNOT VNDERSTAND,HIS HEARING'S GONE;
AND YET IT COMFORTS HIM,TO SEE YOU-<Q CORV.> SAY,
I HAUE A DIAMANT FOR HIM,TOO. <Q MOS.> BEST SHEW'T SIR,
PUT IT INTO HIS HAND;'TIS ONELY THERE
HE APPREHENDS:HE HAS HIS FEELING,YET.
SEE,HOW HE GRASPES IT^ <Q CORV.> 'LASSE,GOOD GENTLEMAN^
HOW PITTIFULL THE SIGHT IS^ <Q MOS.> TUT,FORGET SIR.
THE WEEPING OF AN HEYRE SHOULD STILL BE LAUGHTER,
VNDER A VISOR. <Q CORV.> WHY?AM I HIS HEYRE?
<Q MOS.> SIR,I AM SWORNE,I MAY NOT SHEW THE WILL,
TILL HE BE DEAD:BUT HERE HAS BEENE CORBACCIO,
HERE HAS BEENE VOLTORE,HERE WERE OTHERS TOO,
I CANNOT NOMBER 'HEM, THEY WERE SO MANY,
ALL GAPING HERE FOR LEGACYES;BUT I,
TAKING THE VANTAGE OF HIS NAMING YOU,
(SIGNIOR CORUINO, SIGNIOR CORUINO,)TOOKE
PAPER,AND PEN,AND YNKE,AND THERE I ASK'D HIM,
WHOM HE WOULD HAUE HIS HEYRE?CORUINO: WHO
SHOULD BE EXECUTOR,CORUINO:AND,
TO ANY QUESTION,HE WAS SILENT TOO,
I STILL INTERPRETED THE NODDES,HE MADE.
(THROUGH WEAKENESSE) FOR CONSENT:AND SENT HOME TH'OTHERS,
NOTHING BEQUEATH'D THEM,BUT TO CRIE,AND CURSE.
<Q CORV.> O,MY DEARE MOSCA. DO'S HE NOT PERCEIUE VS?
<Q MOS.> NO MORE THEN A BLINDE HARPER. HE KNOWES NO MAN,
NO FACE OF FRIEND,NOR NAME OF ANY SERUANT,
WHO'T WAS THAT FED HIM LAST,OR GAUE HIM DRINKE:
NOT THOSE,HE HATH BEGOTTEN,OR BROUGHT VP
CAN HE REMEMBER. <Q CORV.> HAS HE CHILDREN? <Q MOS.> BASTARDS,
SOME DOZEN,OR MORE,THAT HE BEGOT ON BEGGARS,
GIPSEYS,AND IEWES,AND BLACK-MOORES,WHEN HE WAS DRUNKE.
KNEW YOU NOT THAT SIR?'TIS THE COMMON FABLE.
THE DWARFE,THE FOOLE,THE EUNUCH ARE ALL HIS;
H'IS THE TRUE FATHER OF HIS FAMILIE,
IN ALL,SAUE MEE:BUT HE HAS GIU'N 'HEM NOTHING.
<Q CORV.> THAT'S WELL,THAT'S WELL. ART SURE HE DOES NOT HEARE VS?
<Q MOS.> SURE SIR? WHY LOOKE YOU,CREDIT YOUR OWNE SENSE.
THE POXE APPROCH,AND ADDE TO YOUR DISEASES,
IF IT WOULD SENDE YOU HENCE THE SOONER,SIR.
FOR,YOUR INCONTINENCE,IT HATH DESERU'D IT
THROUGHLY,AND THROUGHLY,AND THE PLAGUE TO BOOT.
(YOU MAY COME NEERE,SIR)WOULD YOU WOULD ONCE CLOSE
THOSE FILTHY EYES OF YOURS,THAT FLOWE WITH SLIME,
LIKE TWO FROG-PITS;AND THOSE SAME HANGING CHEEKES,
COUER'D WITH HIDE,IN STEEDE OF SKINNE:(NAY HELPE,SIR)
THAT LOOKE LIKE FROZEN DISH-CLOUTS,SET ON END.
<Q CORV.> OR,LIKE AN OLD SMOAK'D WALL,ON WHICH THE RAINE
RAN DOWNE IN STREAKES. <Q MOS.> EXCELLENT,SIR,SPEAKE OUT;
YOU MAY BE LOWDER YET: A CULUERING,
DISCHARGED IN HIS EARE,WOULD HARDLY BORE IT.
<Q CORV.> HIS NOSE IS LIKE A COMMON SEWRE,STILL RUNNING;
<Q MOS.> 'TIS GOOD:AND,WHAT HIS MOUTH? <Q CORV.> A VERY
DRAUGHT. <Q MOS.> O STOP IT VP--<Q CORV.> BY NO MEANES;<Q MOS.> 'PRAY YOU
LET MEE. FAITH,I COULD STIFLE HIM,RARELY,WITH A PILLOW,
AS WELL,AS ANY WOMAN,THAT SHOULD KEEPE HIM.
<Q CORV.> DO AS YOU WILL,BUT ILE BE GONE. <Q MOS.> BE SO;
IT IS YOUR PRESENCE MAKES HIM LAST SO LONG.
<Q CORV.> I PRAY YOU,VSE NO VIOLENCE, <Q MOS.> NO,SIR?WHY?
WHY SHOULD YOU BE THUS SCRUPULOUS?'PRAY YOU,SIR.
<Q CORV.> NAY,AT YOUR DISCRETION. <Q MOS.> WELL,GOOD SIR,BE GONE.
<Q CORV.> I WILL NOT TROUBLE HIM NOW,TO TAKE MY PEARLE?
<Q MOS.> PUH,NOR YOUR DIAMANT.WHAT A NEEDELESSE CARE
IS THIS AFFLICTS YOU?IS NOT ALL,HERE,YOURS?
AM NOT I HERE?WHOM YOU HAUE MADE?YOUR CREATURE?
THAT OWE MY BEEING TO YOU? <Q CORV.> GRATEFULL MOSCA:
THOU ART MY FRIEND,MY FELLOW,MY COMPANION,
MY PARTNER,AND SHALT SHARE IN ALL MY FORTUNES.
<Q MOS.> EXCEPTING ONE. <Q CORV.> WHATS THAT? <Q MOS.> YOUR GALLANT
WIFE,SIR. NOW, IS HE GONE;WE HAD NO OTHER MEANES,
TO SHOOTE HIM HENCE,BUT THIS. <Q VOLP.> MY DIUINE MOSCA^
THOU HAST TO DAY OUT-GONE THY SELFE. WHO'S THERE?
I WILL BE TROUBLED WITH NO MORE.PREPARE
MEN MUSICKE,DANCES,BANQUETS,ALL DELIGHTS;
THE TURKE IS NOT MORE SENSUAL,IN HIS PLEASURES,
THEN WILL VOLPONE.LET MEN SEE,A PEARLE?
A DIAMANT?PLATE?CECCHINES?GOOD MORNINGS PURCHASE;
WHY,THIS IS BETTER THEN ROB CHURCHES,YET:
OR FAT,BY EATING (ONCE A MON'TH)A MAN.
WHO IS 'T? <Q MOS.> THE BEAUTEOUS LADY WOULD-BEE,SIR.
WIFE, TO THE ENGLISH KNIGHT,SIR POLITIQUE WOULD-BEE,
(THIS IS THE STILE,SIR,IS DIRECTED MEE)
HATH SENT TO KNOW,HOW YOU HAUE SLEPT TO NIGHT,
AND IF YOU WOULD BE VISITED. <Q VOLP.> NOT,NOW.
SOME THREE HOURES,HENCE. <Q MOS.> I TOLD THE SQUIRE,SO MUCH.
<Q VOLP.> WHEN I AM HIGH WITH MIRTH,AND WINE;THEN,THEN.
'FORE HEAUEN,I WONDER AT THE DESPERATE VALURE
OF THE BOLD ENGLISH,THAT THEY DARE LET LOOSE
THEIR WIUES,TO ALL ENCOUNTERS^ <Q MOS.> SIR,THIS KNIGHT
HAD NOT HIS NAME FOR NOTHING,HE IS POLITIQUE,
AND KNOWES,HOW ERE HIS WIFE AFFECT STRANGE AYRES,
SHE HATH NOT YET THE FACE,TO BE DISHONEST.
BUT,HAD SHE SIGNIOR CORUINO'S WIUES FACE--
<Q VOLP.> HAS SHE SO RARE A FACE?<Q MOS.> O SIR,THE WONDER,
THE BLAZING STARRE OF ITALY;A WENCH
O'THE FIRST YEARE, A BEAUTY, RIPE, AS HARUEST^
WHOSE SKINNE IS WHITER THEN A SWAN,ALL OUER^
THEN SILUER,SNOW,OR LILLIES^A SOFT LIP,
WOULD TEMPT YOU TO ETERNITY OF KISSING^
AND FLESH,THAT MELTETH,IN THE TOUCH,TO BLOUD^
BRIGHT AS YOUR GOLD,AND LOUELY,AS YOUR GOLD^
<Q VOLP.> WHY HAD NOT I KNOWNE THIS,BEFORE? <Q MOS.> ALAS,SIR.
MY SELFE,BUT YESTERDAY,DISCOUER'D IT.
<Q VOLP.> HOW MIGHT I SEE HER? <Q MOS.> O,NOT POSSIBLE;
SHEE'S KEPT AS WARILY,AS IS YOUR GOLD:
NEUER DO'S COME ABROAD,NEUER TAKES AYRE,
BUT AT A WINDORE.ALL HER LOOKES ARE SWEET,
AS THE FIRST GRAPES,OR CHERRIES;AND ARE WATCH'D
AS NEARE,AS THY ARE. <Q VOLP.> I MUST SEE HER--- <Q MOS.> SIR,
THERE IS A GUARD,OF TEN SPIES THICK,VPON HER;
ALL HIS WHOLE HOUSHOLD:EACH OF WHICH IS SET
VPON HIS FELLOW,AND HAUE ALL THEIR CHARGE,
WHEN HE GOES OUT,WHEN HE COMES IN,EXAMIN'D.
<Q VOLP.> I WILL GO SEE HER,THOUGH BUT AT HER WINDORE.
<Q MOS.> IN SOME DISGUISE,THEN? <Q VOLP.> THAT IS TRUE,I MUST
MAINTAINE MINE OWNE SHAPE,STILL,THE SAME:WEE'LL THINKE.
   <SN ACT.2. SCENE.1.>
<Q POLITIQVE WOVLD-BEE.> SIR, TO A WISE MAN,ALL THE WORLD'S HIS SOILE.
IT IS NOT ITALY,NOR FRANCE,NOR EUROPE,
THAT MUST BOUND ME,IF MY FATES CALL ME FORTH.
YET,I PROTEST,IT IS NO SALT DESIRE
OF SEEING COUNTRIES,SHIFTING A RELIGION,
NOR ANY DIS-AFFECTION TO THE STATE
WHERE I WAS BRED, (AND,VNTO WHICH I OWE
MY DEAREST PLOTS) HATH BROUGHT ME OUT;MUCH LESSE,
THAT IDLE,ANTIQUE,STALE,GREY-HEADED PROIECT
OF KNOWING MENS MINDES, AND MANNERS,WITH VLISSES:
BUT, A PECULIAR HUMOUR OF MY WIUES,
LAYD FOR THIS HEIGHT OF VENICE,TO OBSERUE,
TO QUOTE,TO LEARNE THE LANGUAGE,AND SO FORTH-
I HOPE YOU TRAUELL,SIR,WITH LICENCE? <Q PER.> YES.
<Q POL.> I DARE THE SAFELIER CONUERSE-HOW LONG,SIR,
SINCE YOU LEFT ENGLAND? <Q PER.> SEAUEN WEEKES. <Q POL.> SO LATELY^
YOU HA'NOT BEENE WITH MY LORD AMBASSADOR?
<Q PER.> NOT YET,SIR. <Q POL.> 'PRAY YOU,WHAT NEWES,SIR,VENTS OUR
CLIMATE? I HEARD,LAST NIGHT,A MOST STRANGE THING REPORTED
BY SOME OF MY LORDS FOLLOWERS,AND I LONG
TO HEARE,HOW'T WILL BE SECONDED^<Q PER.> WHAT WAS'T,SIR?
<Q POL.> MARRY,SIR,OF A RAUEN,THAT SHOULD BUILD
IN A SHIP ROYALL OF THE KINGS. <Q PER.> THIS FELLOW
DO'S HE GULL MEN,TROW?OR IS GULL'D?YOUR NAME,SIR?
<Q POL.> MY NAME IS POLITIQUE WOULD-BEE. <Q PER.> O,THAT SPEAKS HIM.
A KNIGHT,SIR? <Q POL.> A POORE KNIGHT,SIR. <Q PER.> YOUR LADY
LIES HERE,IN VENICE,FOR INTELLIGENCE
OF TIRES,AND FASHIONS,AND BEHAUIOUR,
AMONG THE CURTIZANS?THE FINE LADY WOULD-BE?
<Q POL.> YES;SIR;THE SPIDER,AND THE BEE,OFT TIMES,
SUCK FROM ONE FLOWER. <Q PER.> GOOD SIR POLITIQUE^
I CRIE YOU MERCY;I HAUE HEARD MUCH OF YOU:
TIS TRUE,SIR,OF YOUR RAUEN. <Q POL> ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE?
<Q PER.> YES,AND YOUR LIONS WHELPING,IN THE TOWER.
<Q POF.> ANOTHER WHELPE? <Q PER.> ANOTHER,SIR. <Q POL.> NOW HEAUEN^
WHAT PRODIGIES BE THESE?THE FIRES AT BERWIKE^
AND THE NEW STARRE^THESE THINGS CONCURRING,STRANGE^
AND FULL OF OMEN^ SAW YOU THOSE METEORS^
<Q PER.> I DID SIR. <Q POL.> FEAREFULL^PRAY YOU SIR,CONFIRME MEN,
WERE THERE THREE PORCPISCES SEENE,ABOUE THE BRIDGE,
AS THEY GIUE OUT? <Q PER.> SIXE, AND A STURGEON,SIR.
<Q POL.> I AM ASTONISH'D. <Q PER.> NAY SIR,BE NOT SO;
ILE TELL YOU A GREATER PRODIGIE,THEN THESE-
<Q POL.> WHAT SHOULD THESE THINGS PORTEND^ <Q PER.> THE VERY DAY
(LET ME BE SURE)THAT I PUT FORTH FROM LONDON,
THERE WAS A WHALE DISCOUER'D, IN THE RIUER,
AS HIGH AS WOOLLWICH,THAT HAD WAITED THERE
(FEW KNOW HOW MANY MONETHS)FOR THE SUBUERSION
OF THE STODE-FLEETE. <Q POL.> IS'T POSSIBLE?BELEEUE IT,
'TWAS EITHER SENT FROM SPAINE,OR THE ARCH-DUKE,
SPINOLA'S WHALE,VPON MY LIFE,MY CREDIT;
WILL THEY NOT LEAUE THESE PROIETS? WORTHY SIR,
SOME OTHER NEWES. <Q PER.> FAITH,STONE,THE FOOLE,IS DEAD;
AND THEY DO LACK A TAUERNE-FOOLE,EXTREMELY.
<Q POL.> IS MASS'STONE DEAD? <Q PER.> H'IS DEAD SIR,WHY?I HOPE
YOU THOUGHT HIM NOT IMMORTALL?O THIS KNIGHT
(WERE HE WELL KNOWNE)WOULD BE A PRECIOUS THING
TO FIT OUR ENGLISH STAGE:HE THAT SHOULD WRITE
BUT SUCH A FELLOW,SHOULD BE THOUGHT TO FAINE
EXTREMELY,IF NOT MALICIOUSLY. <Q POL.> STONE DEAD?
<Q PER.> DEAD. LORD^ HOW DEEPELY SIR YOU APPREHEND IT?
HE WAS NO KINSMAN TO YOU? <Q POL.> THAT I KNOW OF.
WELL^THAT SAME FELLOW WAS AN VNKNOWNE FOOLE.
<Q PER.> AND YET YOU KNOW HIM,IT SEEMES? <Q POL.> I DID SO,SIR,
I KNEW HIM ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS HEADS
LIUING WITHIN THE STATE,AND SO I HELD HIM.
<Q PER.> INDEED SIR? <Q POL.> WHILE HE LIU'D, IN ACTION.
HE HAS RECEIU'D WEEKELY INTELLIGENCE,
VPON MY KNOWLEDGE,OUT OF THE LOW COUNTRIES,
(FOR ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD)IN CABAGES;
AND THOSE DISPENS'D, AGAINE, TO AMBASSADORS,
IN ORANGES,MUSK-MELONS,APRICOCKS,
LIMONS,POME-CITRONS,AND SUCH LIKE:SOMETIMES,
IN COLCHESTER-OYSTERS,AND YOUR SELSEY-COCKLES.
<Q PER.> YOU MAKE ME WONDER^ <Q POL.> SIR VPON MY KNOWLEDGE.
NAY,I, HAUE OBSERU'D HIM,AT YOUR PUBLIQUE ORDINARY,
TAKE HIS ADUERTISEMENT,FROM A TRAUELLER
(A CONCEALD STATES-MAN)IN A TRENCHER OF MEATE;
AND,INSTANTLY,BEFORE THE MEALE WAS DONE,
CONUAY AN ANSWER IN A TOOTH-PICK. <Q PER.> STRANGE^
HOW COULD THIS BE,SIR? <Q POL.> WHY,THE MEATE WAS CUT
SO LIKE HIS CHARACTER,AND SO LAYD,AS HE
MUST EASILY READ THE CIPHER. <Q PER.> I HAUE HEARD,
HE COULD NOT READ,SIR, <Q POL.> SO,'TWAS GIUEN OUT,
(IN POLLITIE,)BY THOSE,THAT DID IMPLOY HIM:
BUT HE COULD READ,AND HAD YOUR LANGUAGES,
AND TO'T,AS SOUND A NODDLE. <Q PER.> I HAUE HEARD,SIR,
THAT YOUR BABIOUNS WERE SPIES;AND THAT THEY WERE
A KINDE OF SUBTLE NATION,NEARE TO CHINA:
<Q POL.> I,I,YOUR MAMULUCHS. FAITH,THEY HAD
THEIR HAND IN A FRENCH PLOT,OR TWO;BUT THEY
WERE SO EXTREMELY GIUEN TO WOMEN,AS
THEY MADE DISCOUERY OF ALL:YET I
HAD MY ADUISES HERE(ON WENSDAY LAST)
FROM ONE OF THEIR OWNE COAT,THEY WERE RETURN'D,
MADE THEIR RELATIONS (AS THE FASHION IS)
AND NOW STAND FAIRE,FOR FRESH IMPLOYMENT. <Q PER.> 'HART^
THIS SIR POLL:WILL BE IGNORANT OT NOTHING.
IT SEEMES SIR,YOU KNOW ALL? <Q POL.> NOT ALL SIR. BUT,
I HAUE SOME GENERALL NOTIONS;I DO LOUE
TO NOTE,AND TO OBSERUE:THOUGH I LIUE OUT,
FREE FROM THE ACTIUE TORRENT,YET I'LD MARKE
THE CURRENTS,AND THE PASSAGES OF THINGS,
FOR MINE OWNE PRIUATE VSE;AND KNOWE THE EBBES,
AND FLOWES OF STATE. <Q PER.> BELEEUE IT,SIR,I HOLD
MY SELFE,IN NO SMALL TIE,VNTO MY FORTUNES,
FOR CASTING MEE THUS LUCKELY,VPON YOU;
WHOSE KNOWLEDGE (IF YOUR BOUNTY EQUALL IT)
MAY DO ME  GREAT ASSISTANCE,IN INSTRUCTION
FOR MY BEHAUIOUR,AND MY BEARING,WHICH
IS YET SO RUDE,AND RAW-<Q POL.> WHY? CAME YOU FORTH
EMPTY OF RULES,FOR TRAUAYLE? <Q PER.> FAITH,I HAD
SOME COMMON ONES,FROM OUT THAT VULGAR GRAMMAR,
WHICH HEE,THAT CRI'D ITALIAN TO MEE,TAUGHT MEE.
<Q POL.> WHY,THIS IT IS,THAT SPOILES ALL OUR BRAUE BLOUDS,
TRUSTING OUR HOPEFULL GENTRY VNTO PEDANTS,
FELLOWES OF OUT-SIDE,AND MERE BARKE.YOU SEEME
TO BE A GENTLEMAN,OF INGENUOUS RACE-
I NOT PROFESSE IT,BUT MY FATE HATH BEENE
TO BE, WHERE I HAUE BEENE CONSULTED WITH,
IN THIS HIGH KINDE,TOUCHING SOME GREAT MENS SONNES,
PERSONS OF BLOUD,AND HONOR-<Q PER.> WHO BE THESE,SIR?
   <SN ACT. 2. SCENE. 2.>
<Q MOSCA.> VNDER THAT WINDORE,THERE'T MUST BE. THE SAME:
<Q POL.> FELLOWES,TO MOUNT A BANKE^ DID YOUR INSTRUCTER
IN THE DEARE TONGUES,NEUER DISCOURSE TO YOU
OF THE ITALIAN MONTEBANKES? <Q PER.> YES,SIR. <Q POL.> WHY,
HERE SHALL YOU SEE ONE. <Q PER.> THEY ARE QUACK-SALUERS,
FELLOWES,THAT LIUE BY VENTING OYLES,AND DRUGS?
<Q POL.> WAS THAT THE CHARACTER HEE GAUE YOU OF THEM?
<Q PER.> AS I REMEMBER. <Q POL.> PITTIE HIS IGNORANCE.
THEY ARE THE ONELY-KNOWING MEN OF EUROPE,
GREAT,GENERALL SCHOLLERS, EXCELLENT PHISITIANS,
MOST ADMIR'D STATES-MEN,PROFEST FAUORITES,
AND CABINET-COUNCELLORS,TO THE GREATEST PRINCES:
THE ONELY LANGUAG'D-MEN,OF ALL THE WORLD.
<Q PER.> AND,I HAUE HEARD,THEY ARE MOST LEWD IMPOSTORS;
MADE ALL OF TERMES,AND SHREDS;NO LESSE BELIERS
OF GREAT-MEN FAUORS,THEN THEIR OWNE VILE MED'CINES;
WHICH THEY WILL VTTER VPON MONSTROUS OTHES:
SELLING THAT DRUG,FOR TWO PENCE,ERE THEY PART,
WHICH THEY HAUE VALEW'D AT TWELUE CROWNES,BEFORE.
<Q POL.> SIR,CALUMNIES ARE ANSWER'D BEST WITH SILENCE;
YOUR SELFE SHALL IUDGE.WHO IS IT MOUNTS,MY FRIENDS?
<Q MOS.> SCOTO OF MANTUA,SIR. <Q POL.> IS'T HEE?NAY,THEN
ILE PROUDLY PROMISE,SIR,YOU SHALL BEHOLD
ANOTHER MAN,THEN HAS BEENE PHANT'SIED TO YOU.
I WONDER,YET,THAT HEE SHOULD MOUNT HIS BANKE
HERE,IN THIS NOOKE,THAT HAS BEENE WONT T'APPEARE
IN FACE OF THE PIAZZA^HERE,HE COMES.
<Q VOLP.> MOUNT ZANY, <Q GRE.> FOLLOW,FOLLOW,FOLLOW,FOLLOW,FOLLOW.
<Q POL.> SEE HOW THE PEOPLE FOLLOW HIM^HEE'S A MAN
MAY WRITE 1C000. CROWNES,IN BANKE,HERE.NOTE,
MARKE BUT HIS GESTURE;I DO VSE TO OBSERUE
THE STATE HEE KEEPES,IN GETTING VP^ <Q PER.> TIS WORTH IT,SIR.
<Q VOLP.> MOST NOBLE GENT: AND MY WORTHY PATRONS,IT MAY SEEME
STRANGE,THAT I,YOUR SCOTO MANTUANO,WHO WAS EUER WONT TO FIXE MY
BANKE IN FACE OF THE PUBLIKE PIAZZA,NEARE THE SHELTER OF THE PORTICO,
TO THE PROCURATIA, SHOULD,NOW (AFTER EIGHT MONTHS ABSENCE,FROM THIS
ILLUSTROUS CITTY OF VENICE) HUMBLY RETIRE MY SELFE,INTO AN OBSCURE
NOOKE OF THE PIAZZA;
<Q POL.> DID NOT I NOW,OBIECT THE SAME? <Q PER.> PEACE,SIR.
<Q VOLP.> LET MEN TEL YOU:I AM NOT(AS YOUR LOMBARD PROUERBE SAYTH)
COLD ON MY FEETE,OR CONTENT TO PART WITH MY COMMODITIES AT A CHEAPER
RATE,THEN I ACCUSTOMED;LOOKE NOT FOR IT. NOR,THAT THE CALUMNIOUS
REPORTS OF THAT IMPUDENT DETRACTOR,AND SHAME TO OUR PROFESSION,
(ALESSANDRO BUTTONE,I MEANE)WHO GAUE OUT,IN PUBLIKE,I WAS
CONDEMN'D A 'SFORZATO TO THE GALLEYS,FOR POYSONING THE CARDINALL BEMBOO'S-
COOKE,HATH AT ALL ATTACHED,MUCH LESSE DEIECTED MEE.NO,NO,
WORTHIE GENT:(TO TELL YOU TRUE) I CANNOT INDURE,TO SEE THE RABLE OF
THESE GROUND CIARLITANI,THAT SPREAD THEIR CLOKES ON THE PAUEMENT ,AS
IF THEY MEANT TO DO FEATES OF ACTIUITIE,AND THEN COME IN,LAMELY,WITH
THEIR MOULDY TALES OUT OF BOCCACIO,LIKE STALE TABARINE,THE FABULIST:
SOME OF THEM DISCOURSING THEIR TRAUELLS,AND OF THEIR TEDIOUS CAPTIUITY
IN THE TURKES GALLEYES,WHEN INDEED(WERE THE TRUTH KNOWNE)
THEY WERE THE CHRISTIANS GALLEYES,WHERE VERY TEMPERATELY,THEY
EATE BREAD,& DRUNKE WATER,AS A WHOLE SOME PENNANCE(ENIOYN'D THEM
BY THEIR CONFESSORS)FOR BASE PILFERIES.
<Q POL.> NOTE BUT HIS BEARING,AND CONTEMPT OF THESE.
<Q VOLP.> THESE TURDY-FACY-NASTY-PATIE-LOUSIE-FARTICALL ROGUES, WITH
ONE POORE GROATS-WORTH OF VNPREPAR'D ANTIMONY,FINELY WRAPT VP IN
SEUERALL SCARTOCCIOS,ARE ABLE,VERY WELL,TO KILL THEIR TWENTY A WEEKE,
AND PLAY;YET THESE MEAGRE STERU'D SPIRITS,WHO HAUE HALFE STOPT THE
ORGANS OF THEIR MINDES WITH EARTHY OPPILATIONS,WANT NOT THEIR FAUOURERS
AMONG YOUR SHRIUEL'D, SALLAD-EATING ARTIZANS: WHO ARE OUERIOY'D,
THAT THEY MAY HAUE THEIR HALFEPERTH  OF PHYSICK,THOUGH IT PURGE
'HEM INTO ANOTHER WORLD,MAKES NO MATTER.
<Q POL.> EXCELLENT^HA YOU HEARD BETTER LANGUAGE,SIR?
<Q VOLP.> WELL,LET 'HEM GO. AND GENTLEMEN,HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN,
KNOW,THAT FOR THIS TIME,OUR BANQUE,BEING THUS REMOU'D FROM THE
CLAMOURS OF THE CANAGLIA,SHALL BE THE SCENE OF PLEASURE,AND
DELIGHT;FOR I HAUE NOTHING TO SELL,LITTLE OR NOTHING TO SELL:
<Q POL.> I TOLD YOU,SIR;HIS ENDE.<Q PER.> YOU DID SO,SIR.
<Q VOLP.> I PROTEST,I,AND MY SIXE SERUANTS,ARE NOT ABLE TO MAKE OF  THIS
PRETIOUS LIQUOR,SO FAST,AS IT IS FETCH'D AWAY FROM MY LODGING,BY GENTLEMEN
OF YOUR CITTY;STRANGERS OF THE TERRA-FERMA;WORSHIPFUL MERCHANTS;
I,AND SENATORS TOO:WHO,EUTER SINCE MY ARRIUALL,HAUE DETAINED
MEE TO THEIR VSES,BY THEIR SPLENDIDOUS LIBERALITIES.AND WORTHILY.FOR
WHAT AUAYLES YOUR RICH MAN TO HAUE HIS MAGAZINES STUFT WITH
MOSCADELLI,OR THE PUREST GRAPE,WHEN HIS PHYSITIANS PRESCRIBE HIM (ON
PAINE OF DEATH)TO DRINKE NOTHING BUT WATER,COCTED WITH ANISE-SEEDS?
O HEALTH^ HEALTH^ THE BLESSING OF THE RICH,THE RICHES OF THE POORE^
WHO CAN BUY THEE AT TO DEARE A RATE,SINCE THERE IS NO ENIOYING THIS
WORLD,WITHOUT THEE?BE NOT THEN SO SPARING OF YOUR PURSES,HONORABLE
GENTLEMEN,AS TO ABRIDGE THE NATURALL COURSE OF LIFE-
<Q PER.> YOU SEE HIS ENDE? <Q POL.> I,IS'T NOT GOOD?
<Q VOLP.> FOR,WHEN A HUMIDE FLUXE,OR CATARRHE,BY THE MUTABILITY
OF AYRE,FALLS FROM YOUR HEAD,INTO AN ARME OR SHOULDER,OR ANY OTHER
PART;TAKE YOU A DUCKAT,OR YOUR CECCHINE OF GOLD,AND APPLIE TO
THE PLACE AFFECTED: SEE,WHAT GOOD EFFECT IT CAN WORKE.NO, NO, 'TIS THIS
BLESSED VNGUENTO,THIS RARE EXTRACTION,THAT HATH ONELY POWER TO
DISPERSE ALL MALIGNANT HUMORS,THAT PROCEEDE,EITHER OF HOT, COLD,MOIST
OR WINDY CAUSES-
<Q PER.> I WOULD HE HAD PUT IN DRY TO. <Q POL.> PRAY YOU OBSERUE.
<Q VOLP.> TO FORTIFIE THE MOST INDIGEST,AND CRUDE STOMACKE,I,WERE IT
OF ONE,THAT (THROUGH EXTREAME WEAKENESSE)VOMITED BLOUD,APPLYING
ONELY A WARME NAPKIN TO THE PLACE,AFTER THE VNCTION,AND FRICACE;
FOR THE VERTIGINE,IN THE HEAD,PUTTING BUT A DROP INTO YOUR NOSTRILLS,
LIKEWISE,BEHIND THE EARES;A MOST SOUERAIGNE,AND APPROOUED REMEDY.
THE MALL-CADUCO,CRAMPES, CONVULSIONS, PARALYSIES,EPILEPSIES,
TREMOR-CORDIA,RETIRED-NERUES,ILL VAPOURS OF THE SPLEENE,STOPPINGS
OF THE LIUER,THE STONE,THE STRANGURY,HERNIA VENTOSA,ILIACA
PASSIO:STOPS A DISENTERIA,IMMEDIATLY;EASETH THE TORSION OF THE
SMALL GUTS:AND CURES MELANCOLIA HYPOCONDRIACA,BEING TAKEN AND
APPLYED,ACCORDING TO MY PRINTED RECEIPT. FOR,THIS IS THE PHYSITIAN,
THIS THE MEDICINE;THIS COUNCELLS,THIS CURES;THIS GIUES THE DIRECTION,
THIS WORKS THE EFFECT:AND(IN SUMME)BOTH TOGETHER MAY BE TERM'D AN
ABSTRACT OF THE THEORICK,AND PRACTICK IN THE AESCULAPIAN ART. 'TWILL
COST YOU EIGHT CROWNES. AND,ZAN FRITADA, 'PRAY THEE SING A VERSE,
EXTEMPORE,IN HONOUR OF IT.
<Q POL.> HOW DO YOU LIKE HIM,SIR? <Q PER.> MOST STRANGELY,I^
<Q POL.> IS NOT HIS LANGUAGE RARE? <Q PER.> BUT ALCHIMY,
I NEUER HEARD THE LIKE:OR BROUGHTONS BOOKES.
SONG. HAD OLD HIPPOCRATES, OR GALEN,
(THAT TO THEIR BOOKES PUT MED'CINES ALL IN)
BUT KNOWNE THIS SECRET,THEY HAD NEUER
(OF WHICH THEY WILL BEE GUILTY EUER)
BEENE MURDERERS OF SO MUCH PAPER,
OR WASTED MANY A HURTLESSE TAPER:
NO INDIAN DRUG HAD ERE BEENE FAMED,
TABACCO, SASSAFRAS NOT NAMED;
NE YET,OF GUACUM ONE SMALL STICK,SIR,
NOR RAYMUND LULLIES GREATE ELIXIR.
NE,HAD BEENE KNOWNE THE DANISH GONSWART.
OR PARACELSUS,WITH HIS LONG-SWORD.
<Q PER.> ALL THIS,YET,WILL NOT DO,EIGHT CROWNES IS HIGH.
<Q VLOP.> NO MORE; GNENTLEMEN,IF I HAD BUT TIME TO DISCOURSE TO YOU THE
MIRACULOUS EFFECTS OF THIS MY OYLE,SURNAMED OGLIO DEL SCOTO,WITH THE
COUNT-LESSE CATALOGUE OF THOSE I HAUE CURED OF TH'AFORESAYD,AND
MANY MORE DISEASES,THE PATTENTS AND PRIUILEDGES OF ALL THE PRINCES,
AND COMMON-WEALTHES OF CHRISTENDOME,OR BUT THE DEPOSITIONS OF
THOSE THAT APPEAR'D ON MY PART,BEFORE THE SIGNIRY OF THE SANITA,
AND MOST LEARNED COLLEDGE OF PHYSITIANS;WHERE I WAS AUTHORIZED,
VPON NOTICE TAKEN OF THE ADMIRABLE VERTUES OF MY MEDICAMENTS,AND
MINE OWNE EXCELLENCY,IN MATTER OF RARE,AND VNKNOWNE SECRETS,NOT
ONELY TO DISPERSE THEM PUBLIQUELY IN THIS FAMOUS CITTY,BUT IN ALL THE
TERRITORIES,THAT HAPPELY IOY VNDER THE GOUERNMENT OF THE MOST PIOUS
AND MAGNIFICENT STATES OF ITALY. BUT MAY SOME OTHER GALLANT FELLOW
SAY, O,THERE BE DIUERS,THAT MAKE PROFESSION TO HAUE AS GOOD,AND AS
EXPERIMENTED RECEIPTS,AS YOURS:INDEED,VERY MANY HAUE ASSAY'D, LIKE
APES,IN IMITATION OF THAT,WHICH IS REALLY,AND ESSENTIALLY IN MEE,TO
MAKE OF THIS OYLE; BESTOW'D GREAT COST IN FURNACES, STILLES, ALEMBEKES,
CONTINUALL FIRES,AND PREPARATION OF THE INGREDIENTS,AS INDEED
THERE GOES TO IT SIXE HUNDRED SEUERALL SIMPLES,BESIDE,SOME QUANTITY OF
HUMANE FAT,FOR THE CONGLUTINATION,WHICH WE BUY OF THE ANATOMISTES;
BUT,WHEN THESE PRACTITIONERS COME TO THE LAST DECOCTION,BLOW,BLOW,
PUFF, PUFF,AND ALL FLIES IN FUMO:HA,HA,HA,POORE WRETCHES^I RATHER
PITTY THEIR FOLLY,AND INDISCRETION,THEN THEIR LOSSE OF TIME,AND MONEY;
FOR THOSE MAY BE RECOUER'D BY INDUSTRY: BUT TO BE A FOOLE BORNE IS A
DISEASE INCURABLE. FOR MY SELFE,I ALWAIES FROM MY YOUTH HAUE
INDEAUOR'D TO GET THE RAREST SECRETS, AND BOOKE THEM;EYTHER IN
EXCHANGE,OR FOR MONEY;I SPARED NOR COST,NOR LABOUR,WHERE ANYTHING
WAS WORTHY TO BE LEARNED. AND GENTLEMEN,HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN,
I WILL UNDERTAKE (BY VERTUE OF CHYMICALL ART) OUT OF THE HONOURABLE
HAT, THAT COUERS YOUR HEAD,TO EXTRACT THE FOURE ELEMENTS;THAT IS
TO SAY,THE FIRE,AYRE,WATER,AND EARTH,AND RETURNE YOU YOUR FELT.
WITHOUT BURNE,OR STAINE. FOR,WHIL'ST OTHERS HAUE BEENE AT THE
BALLOO,I HAUE BEENE AT MY BOOKE:AND AM NOW PAST THE CRAGGY PATHS OF
STUDY,AND COME TO THE FLOURIE PLAINES OF HONOUR,AND REPUTATION.
<Q POL.> I DO ASSURE YOU,SIR,THAT IS HIS AYME.
<Q VOLP.> BUT,TO OUR PRICE. <Q PER.> AND THAT WITHALL,SIR.POLL.
<Q VOLP.> YOU ALL KNOW (HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN)I NEUER VALEW'D THIS
AMPULLA,OR VIOLL,AT LESSE THEN EIGHT CROWNES,BUT FOR THIS TIME,I AM
CONTENT,TO BE DEPRIU'D OF IT FOR SIXE;SIXE CROWNES IS THE PRICE;AND
LESSE,IN CURTESIE,I KNOW YOU CANNOT OFFER MEE;TAKE IT,OR LEAUE IT,HOW-
SOEUER,BOTH IT,AND I AM AT YOUR SERUICE. I ASKE YOU NOT,AS THE VALEW
OF THE THING,FOR THEN I SHOULD DEMAND OF YOU A THOUSAND CROWNES,
SO THE CARDINALLS MONTALTO,FERNESE,THE GREAT DUKE OF TUSCANY,
MY GOSSIP, WITH DIUERS OTHER PRINCES HAUE GIUEN MEN;BUT I DESPISE
MONEY:ONLY TO SHEW MY AFFECTION TO YOU,HONORABLE GENTLEMEN,AND YOUR
ILLUSTROUS STATE HERE,I HAUE NEGLECTED THE MESSAGES OF THESE PRINCES,
MINE OWNE OFFICES,FRAM'D MY IOURNEY HITHER,ONELY TO PRESENT YOU WITH
THE FRUICTS OF MY TRAUELLS. TUNE YOUR VOYCES ONCE MORE,TO THE TOUCH
OF YOUR INSTRUMENTS,AND GIUE THE HONORABLE ASSEMBLY SOME DELIGHTFULL RECREATION.
<Q PER.> WHAT MONSTROUS,AND MOST PAINEFULL CIRCUMSTANCE
IS HERE,TO GET SOME THREE,OR FOURE GAZETS?
SOME THREE-PENCE,I'TH WHOLE,FOR THAT'TWILL COME TOO.
SONG.
YOU THAT WOULD LAST LONG,LIFT TO MY SONG,
MAKE NO MORE COYLE,BUT BUY OF THIS OYLE.
WOULD YOU BE EUER FAIRE?AND YONG?
STOUT OF TEETH?AND STRONG OF TONGUE?
TART OF PALAT? QUICK OF EARE?
SHARPE OF SIGHT?OF NOSTRILL CLEARE?
MOIST OF HAND?AND LIGHT OF FOOT?
(OR I WILL COME NEERER TO'T)
WOULD YOU LIUE FREE FROM ALL DISEASES?
DO THE ACT,YOUR MISTRES PLEASES;
YET FRIGHT ALL ACHES FROM YOUR BONES?
HERE'S A MED'CINE,FOR THE NONES.
<Q VOLP.> WELL,I AM IN A HUMOR(AT THIS TIME)TO MAKE A PRESENT OF THE
SMALL QUANTITY MY COFFER CONTAINES:TO THE RICH,IN COURTESIE,AND TO
THE POORE,FOR GODS SAKE.WHEREFORE,NOWE MARKE;I ASK'D YOU SIXE
CROWNES,AND SIXE CROWNES,AT OTHER TIMES,YOU HAUE PAYD MEE;
YOU SHALL NOT GIUE MEE SIXE CROWNES,NOR FIUE, NOR FOURE, NOR THREE,
NOR TWO, NOR ONE; NOR HALFE A DUCKAT;NO,NOR A MUCCINIGO:SIX PENCE
IT WILL COST YOU, OR SIXE HUNDRED POUND-EXPECT NO LOWER PRICE,FOR BY
THE BANNER OF MY FRONT,I WILL NOT BATE A BAGATINE,THAT I WILL HAUE,
ONELY,A PLEDGE OF YOUR LOUES,TO CARRY SOMETHING FROM AMONGST YOU,TO
SHEW, I AM NOT CONTEMN'D BY YOU. THEREFORE,NOW,TOSSE YOUR HANDKERCHIEFES,
CHEAREFULLY,CHEAREFULLY;AND BEE ADUERTISED, THAT THE FIRST
HEROIQUE SPIRIT,THAT DIEGNES TO GRACE MEE,WITH A HANDKERCHIEFE,I
WILL GIUE IT A  LITTLE REMEMBRANCE OF SOMETHING,BESIDE,SHALL PLEASE
IT BETTER, THEN IF I HAD PRESENTED IT WITH A DOUBLE PISTOLET.
<Q PER.> WILL YOU BE THAT HEROIQUE SPARKE,SIR POL?
O SEE^ THE WINDORE HAS PREUENTED YOU.
<Q VOLP.> LADY,I KISSE YOUR BOUNTY;AND,FOR THIS TIMELY GRACE,YOU HAUE
DONE YOUR POORE SCOTO OF MANTUA,I WILL RETURNE YOU,OUER AND ABOUE
MY OYLE,A SECRET,OF THAT HIGH,AND INESTIMABLE NATURE,SHALL MAKE YOU
FOR EUER ENAMOUR'D ON THAT MINUTE,WHEREIN YOUR EYE FIRST DESCENDED
ON SO MEANE,YET NOT ALTOGETHER TO BE DESPIS'D AN OBIECT.HERE IS A POULDER,
CONCEAL'D IN THIS PAPER,OF WHICH,IF I SHOULD SPEAKE TO THE WORTH,
NINE THOUSAND VOLUMES WERE BUT AS ONE PAGE,THAT PAGE AS A LINE,
THAT LINE AS A WORD:SO SHORT IS THIS PILGRIMAGE OF MAN(WHICH SOME
CALL LIFE)TO THE EXPRESSING OF IT:WOULD I REFLECT ON THE PRICE? WHY,THE
WHOLE WORLD WERE BUT AS AN EMPIRE,THAT EMPIRE AS A PROUINCE,
THAT PROUINCE AS A BANKE,THAT BANKE AS A PRIUATE PURSE,TO THE
PURCHASE OF IT. I WILL,ONELY TELL YOU;IT IS THE POULDER,THAT MADE
VENUS A GODDESSE(GIUEN HER BY APOLLO)THAT KEPT HER PERPETUALLY
YONG,CLEAR'D HER WRINCLES,FIRM'D HER GUMMES, FILL'D HER SKINNE,
COLOUR'D HER HAYRE;FROM HER,DERIU'D TO HELEN,AND AT THE SACK OF
TROY(VNFORTUNATELY)LOST:TILL NOW,IN THIS OUR AGE,IT WAS AS HAPPILY
RECOUER'D, BY A STUDIOUS ANTIQUARY,OUT OF SOME RUINES OF ASIA,WHO
SENT A MOYETIE OF IT,TO THE COURT OF FRANCE(BUT MUCH SOPHISTCATED)
WHEREWITH THE LADYES THERE,NOW,COLOUR THEIR HAYRE. THE REST (AT THIS
PRESENT) REMAINES WITH MEE;EXTRACTED,TO A QUINTESSENCE:SO THAT,
WHERE EUER IT BUT TOUCHES,IN YOUTH IT PERPETUALLY PRESERUES,IN AGE RESTORES
THE COMPLEXION;SEATS YOUR TEETH,DID THEY DANCE LIKE VIRGINALL
IACKS,FIRME AS A WALL;MAKES THEM WHITE, AS IUORY,THAT WERE
BLACK,AS------
  <SN ACT.2. SCENE.3.>
<Q CORVINO.> BLOUD OF THE DEUILL,AND MY SHAME^COME DOWNE,HERE;
COME DOWNE:NO HOUSE BUT MINE TO MAKE YOUR SCENE?
SIGNIOR FLAMINIO,WILL YOU DOWNE,SIR?DOWNE?
WHAT IS MY WIFE YOUR FRANCISCINA?SIR?
NO WINDORES ON THE WHOLE PIAZZA,HERE,
TO MAKE YOUR PROPERTIES,BUT MINE?BUT MINE?
HART^ ERE TO MORROW,I SHALL BE NEW CHRISTEN'D,
AND CALD THE PANTALONE DI BESOGNIOSI,
ABOUT THE TOWNE. <Q PER.> WHAT SHOULD THIS MEANE, SIR POLL?
<Q POL.> SOME TRICK OF STATE,BELEEUE IT.I WILL HOME.
<Q PER.> IT MAY BE SOME DESIGNE ON YOU: <Q POL.> I KNOWE
NOT. ILE STAND VPON MY GARD. <Q PER.> 'TIS YOUR BEST,SIR.
<Q POL.> THIS THREE WEEKES, ALL MY ADUISES,ALL MY LETTERS
THEY HAUE BEENE INTERCEPTED. <Q PER.> INDEED,SIR?
BEST I HAUE A CARE. <Q POL.> NAY SO I WILL. <Q PER.> THIS KNIGHT,
I MAY NOT LOOSE HIM,FOR MY MIRTH,TILL NIGHT.
   <SN ACT.2. SCENE.4.>
<Q VOLPONE.> O I AM WOUNDED. <Q MOS.> WHERE,SIR? <Q VOLP.> NOT WITHOUT;
THOSE BLOWES WERE NOTHING:I COULD BEARE THEM EUER.
BUT ANGRY CUPID,BOULTING FROM HER EYES,
HATH SHOT HIMSELFE INTO MEN,LIKE A FLAME;
WHERE, NOW, HE FLINGS ABOUT HIS BURNING HEAT,
AS IN A FURNACE,SOME AMBITIOUS FIRE,
WHOSE VENT IS STOPT.THE FIGHT IS ALL WITHIN MEE.
I CANNOT LIUE, EXCEPT THOU HELPE ME, MOSCA;
MY LIUER MELTS,AND I,WITHOUT THE HOPE
OF SOME SOFT AYRE,FROM HER REFRESHING BREATH,
AM BUT A HEAPE OF CINDERS. <Q MOS.> 'LASSE,GOOD SIR,
WOULD YOU HAD NEUER SEENE HER. <Q VOLP.> NAY,WOULD THOU
HAD'ST NEUER TOLD MEN OF HER. <Q MOS.> SIR 'TIS TRUE;
I DO CONFESSE,I WAS VNFORTUNATE,
AND YOU VNHAPPY: BUT I'AM BOUND IN CONSCIENCE.
NO LESSE THEN DUETY,TO EFFECT MY BEST
TO YOUR RELEASE OF TORMENT,AND I WILL,SIR.
<Q VOLP.> DEARE MOSCA,SHALL I HOPE? <Q MOS.> SIR,MORE THEN DEARE,
I WILL NOT BIDD YOU TO DISPAIRE OF OUGHT,
WITHIN A HUMANE COMPASSE. <Q VOLP.> O,THERE SPOKE
MY BETTER ANGELL,MOSCA,TAKE MY KEYES,
GOLD,PLATE,AND IEWELLS,ALL'S AT THY DEUOTION;
EMPLOY THEM,HOW THOU WILT;NAY,COYNE ME,TOO:
SO THOU,IN THIS,BUT CROWNE MY LONGINGS. MOSCA?
<Q MOS.> VSE BUT YOUR PATIENCE. <Q VOLP.> SO I HAUE. <Q MOS.> I DOUBT
NOT BUT BRING SUCCESSE TO YOUR DESIRES. <Q VOLP.> NAY,THEN,
I NOT REPENT ME OF MY LATE DISGUISE.
<Q MOS.> IF YOU CAN HORNE HIM,SIR,YOU NEEDE NOT.<Q VOLP.> TRUE:
BESIDES,I NEUER MEANT HIM FOR MY HEYRE.
IS NOT THE COLOUR OF MY BEARD,AND EYE-BROWES,
TO MAKE MEN KNOWNE? <Q MOS.> NO IOT. <Q VOLP.> I DID IT WELL.
<Q MOS.> SO WELL, WOULD I COULD FOLLOW YOU IN MINE
WITH HALFE THE HAPPINESSE;AND YET,I WOULD
ESCAPE YOUR EPILOGUE. <Q VOLP.> BUT WERE THEY GULL'D
WITH A BELEEFE,THAT I WAS SCOTO? <Q MOS.> SIR,
SCOTO HIMSELFE COULD HARDLY HAUE DISTINGUISH'D;
I HAUE NOT TIME TO FLATTER YOU,WEE'LL PART:
AND,AS I PROSPER,SO APPLAUD MY ART.
   <SN ACT.2. SCENE.5.>
<Q CORVINO.> DEATH OF MINE HONOUR,WITH THE CITTIES FOOLE?
A IUGLING,TOOTH-DRAWING,PRATING MONTEBANKE?
AND,AT A PUBLIQUE WINDORE? WHERE WHIL'ST HEE,
WITH HIS STRAIN'D ACTION,AND HIS DOLE OF FACES,
TO HIS DRUG-LECTURE DRAWES YOUR ITCHING EARES,
A CREWE OF OLD,VN-MARI'D, NOTED LECHERS,
STOOD LEERING VP,LIKE SATYRES;AND YOU SMILE,
MOST GRACIOUSLY? AND FANNE YOUR FAUOURS FORTH,
TO GIUE YOUR HOTE SPECTATORS SATISFACTION?
WHAT;WAS YOUR MONTEBANKE THEIR CALL? THEIR WHISTLE?
OR WERE YOU ENAMOUR'D ON HIS COPPER RINGS?
HIS SAFFRON IEWELL,WITH THE TOADE-STONE IN'T?
OR HIS IMBROYDRED SUTE,WITH THE COPE-STITCH,
MADE OF A HERSE-CLOATH? OR HIS OLD TILT-FEATHER?
OR HIS STARCH'D BEARD?WELL;YOU SHALL HAUE HIM,YES.
HE SHALL COME HOME,AND MINISTER VNTO YOU
THE FRICACE,FOR THE MOTHER. OR,LET ME SEE,
I THINKE,YOU 'HAD RATHER MOUNT?WOULD YOU NOT MOUNT?
WHY,IF YOU'LL MOUNT,YOU MAY;YES TRUELY,YOU MAY:
AND SO,YOU MAY BE SEENE,DOWNE TO 'TH'FOOTE.
GET YOU A CITTERNE,LADY VANITY,
AND BE A DEALER,WITH THE VERTUOUS MAN;
MAKE ONE:ILE BUT PROTEST MY SELFE A CUCKOLD,
AND SAUE YOUR DOWRY. I AM A DUTCHMAN,I;
FOR,IF YOU THOUGHT ME AN ITALIAN,
YOU WOULD BE DAMN'D, ERE YOU DID THIS,YOU WHORE:
THOU'LDST TREMBLE,TO IMAGINE,THAT THE MURDER
OF FATHER,MOTHER,BROTHER,ALL THY RACE,
SHOULD FOLLOW,AS THE SUBIECT OF MY IUSTICE.
<Q CEL.> GOOD SIR,HAUE PACIENCE. <Q CORV.> WHAT COULDST THOU PROPOSE
LESSE TO THY SELFE,THEN,IN THIS HEATE OF WRATH,
AND STUNG WITH MY DISHONOUR,I SHOULD STRIKE
THIS STEELE VNTO THEE,WITH AS MANY STABS,
AS THOU WERT GAZ'D VPON WITH GOATISH EYES?
<Q CEL.> ALAS SIR,BE APPEAS'D;I COULD NOT THINKE
MY BEEING AT THE WINDORE SHOULD MORE,NOW,
MOUE YOUR IMPATIENCE,THEN AT OTHER TIMES:
<Q CORV.> NO?NOT TO SEEKE,AND ENTERTAINE A PARLEE;
WITH A KNOWNE KNAUE?BEFORE A MULTITUDE?
YOU WERE AN ACTOR,WITH YOUR HANDKERCHEIFE;
WHICH HE,MOST SWEETLY,KIST IN THE RECEIPT,
AND