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Jonson, Ben, 1573-1637

"Cynthia's Revels"


HED. He does hop. He does bound too much. [A FLOURISH.]
AMO. The second bout, to conclude this weapon. [A CHARGE.]
PHA. Good, believe it!
PHI. An excellent offer!
CRI. This is called the solemn band-string.
HED. Foh, that cringe was not put home.
ANA. He makes a face like a stabb'd Lucrece.
ASO. Well, he would needs take it upon him, but would I had done
it for all this. He makes me sit still here, like a baboon as I
am.
CRI. Making villainous faces.
PHI. See, the French prepares it richly.
CRI. Ay, this is ycleped the Serious Trifle.
ANA. 'Slud, 'tis the horse-start out o' the brown study.
CRI. Rather the bird-eyed stroke, sir. Your observance is too
blunt, sir. [A FLOURISH.]
AMO. Judges, award the prize. Take breath, sir. This bout hath
been laborious.
ASO. And yet your critic, or your besongno, will think these
things foppery, and easy, now!
CRI. Or rather mere lunacy. For would any reasonable creature
make these his serious studies and perfections, much less, only
live to these ends? to be the false pleasure of a few, the true
love of none, and the just laughter of all?
HED. We must prefer the monsieur, we courtiers must be partial.


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