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Jonson, Ben, 1573-1637

"Cynthia's Revels"

In
the mean time, I could wish you did provide for solemn revels, and
some unlooked for device of wit, to entertain her, against she
should vouchsafe to grace your pastimes with her presence.
AMO. What say you to a masque?
HED. Nothing better, if the project were new and rare.
ARE. Why, I'll send for Crites, and have his advice: be you ready
in your endeavours: he shall discharge you of the inventive part.
PHA. But will not your ladyship stay?
ARE. Not now, Phantaste. [EXIT.]
PHI. Let her go, I pray you, good lady Sobriety, I am glad we are
rid of her.
PHA. What a set face the gentlewoman has, as she were still going
to a sacrifice!
PHI. O, she is the extraction of a dozen of Puritans, for a look.
MOR. Of all nymphs i' the court, I cannot away with her; 'tis the
coarsest thing!
PHI. I wonder how Cynthia can affect her so above the rest. Here
be they are every way as fair as she, and a thought, fairer, I
trow.
PHA. Ay, and as ingenious and conceited as she.
MOR. Ay, and as politic as she, for all she sets such a forehead
on't.
PHI. Would I were dead, if I would change to be Cynthia.
PHA. Or I.
MOR. Or I.
AMO. And there's her minion, Crites: why his advice more than
Amorphus? Have I not invention afore him? Learning to better
that invention above him? and infanted with pleasant travel --
ANA.


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