Prev | Current Page 128 | Next

Jonson, Ben, 1573-1637

"Cynthia's Revels"


PHA. But why "white-liver'd?"
ANA. Why! are not their linings white? Besides, when they come
in swaggering company, and will pocket up any thing, may they not
properly be said to be white-liver'd?
PHA. O yes, we must not deny it. And why "barbarous," Hedon?
HED. Barbarous! because commonly, when you have worn your
breeches sufficiently, you give them to your barber.
AMO. That's good; but how "Pythagorical?"
PHI. Ay, Amorphus, why Pythagorical breeches?
AMO. O most kindly of all; 'tis a conceit of that fortune, I am
bold to hug my brain for.
PHA. How is it, exquisite Amorphus?
AMO. O, I am rapt with it, 'tis so fit, so proper, so happy --
PHI. Nay, do not rack us thus.
AMO. I never truly relish'd myself before. Give me your ears.
Breeches Pythagorical, by reason of their transmigration into
several shapes.
MOR. Most rare, in sweet troth. Marry this young gentleman, for
his well-spoken --
PHA. Ay, why "well-spoken" breeches?
ASO. Well-spoken! Marry, well-spoken, because -- whatsoever they
speak is well-taken; and whatsoever is well-taken is well-spoken.
MOR. Excellent! believe me.
ASO. Not so, ladies, neither.
HED. But why breeches, now?
PHA.


Pages:
116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140