A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Xi Part 102

[337] _i.e._, Three. A metaphor taken from the game at cards called _Gleek_, where a _gleek_ of knaves is three.--_Pegge._

[338] It is observed by Mr Steevens, that "it was formerly the fashion to kiss the eyes, as a mark of extraordinary tenderness." See note to "The Winter's Tale," act iv. sc. 3, where several instances are produced.

Again, in Marston's "Dutch Courtesan," act ii. sc. 1--

"Your onely voice Shall cast a slumber on my listning sense _You with soft lip shall only ope mine eyes, And suck their lids asunder_, only you Shall make me wish to live, and not feare death."

[339] Hitherto printed by Mr Reed--

"Be brought to bed of a _fair_ Trincalo;"

a reading not supported by the old copies, which have it _young_.--_Collier._

[340] It must be supposed that Armellina brings a looking-gla.s.s, as desired.--_Collier._

[341] Dr Grey observes from Tackius, that a toad, before she engages with a spider, will fortify herself with some of this plant; and that if she comes off wounded, she cures herself afterwards with it. Mr Steevens says it is a blood-stauncher, and was formerly applied to green wounds. See note on "Romeo and Juliet," act i. sc. 2.

[342] See note [at p. 364 _supra_.]

[343] _i.e._, Far-fetched. See note to "Gammer Gurton's Needle," [iii.

223.]

[344] Shrewd or witty sayings. See Florio's "Dictionary."

[345] _i.e._, Proverbs; a _referendo_, because it is often repeated.

See Stevens's "Spanish Dictionary," 1705.

ACT V., SCENE I.

ALb.u.mAZAR, RONCA, FURBO, HARPAX.

ALB. How? not a single share of this great prize, That have deserv'd the whole? was't not my plot And pains, and you mere instruments and porters?

Shall I have nothing?

RON. No, not a silver spoon.

FUR. Nor cover of a trencher-salt.[346]

HAR. Nor table-napkin.

ALB. Friends, we have kept an honest truth and faith Long time amongst us: break not the sacred league, By raising civil theft: turn not your fury 'Gainst your own bowels. Rob your careful master!

Are you not asham'd?

RON. 'Tis our profession, As yours astrology. "And in the days of old, _Good morrow, thief_, as welcome was receiv'd, As now _Your worship_." 'Tis your own instruction.[347]

FUR. "The Spartans held it lawful, and th' Arabians, So grew Arabia happy, Sparta valiant."

HAR. "The world's a theatre of theft: great rivers Rob smaller brooks; and them the ocean."

ALB. Have not I wean'd you up from petty larceny, Dangerous and poor, and nurs'd you to full strength Of safe and gainful theft? by rules of art And principles of cheating made you as free From taking as you went invisible; And do ye thus requite me? this the reward For all my watchful care?

RON. We are your scholars, Made by your help and our own aptness able To instruct others. 'Tis the trade we live by.

You that are servant to divine astrology, Do something worth her livery: cast figures, Make almanacs for all meridians.

FUR. Sell perspicils and instruments of hearing: Turn clowns to gentlemen; buzzards to falcons, 'ur-dogs to greyhounds; kitchen-maids to ladies.

HAR. Discover more new stars and unknown planets: Vent them by dozens, style them by the names Of men that buy such ware. Take lawful courses, Rather than beg.

ALB. Not keep your honest promise?

RON. "Believe none, credit none: for in this city No dwellers are but cheaters and cheatees."

ALB. You promis'd me the greatest share.

RON. Our promise!

If honest men by obligations And instruments of law are hardly constrain'd T' observe their word, can we, that make profession Of lawless courses, do't?

ALB. Amongst ourselves!

Falcons, that tyrannise o'er weaker fowl, Hold peace with their own feathers.

HAR. But when they counter Upon one quarry,[348] break that league, as we do.

ALB. At least restore the ten pound in gold I lent you.

RON. "'Twas lent in an ill second, worser third, And luckless fourth:" 'tis lost, Alb.u.mazar.

FUR. Saturn was in ascension, Mercury Was then combust, when you delivered it.

'Twill never be restor'd.

RON. "Hali, Abenezra, Hiarcha, Brachman, Budda Babylonicus,"

And all the Chaldees and the Cabalists, Affirm that sad aspect threats loss of debts.

HAR. Frame by your azimuth Almicantarath, An engine like a mace, whose quality Of strange retractive virtue may recall Desperate debts, and with that undo serjeants.

ALB. Was ever man thus baited by's own whelps?

Give me a slender portion, for a stock To begin trade again.

RON. 'Tis an ill course, And full of fears. This treasure hath enrich'd us, And given us means to purchase and live quiet Of th' fruit of dangers past. When I us'd robbing, All blocks before me look'd like constables, And posts appear'd in shape of gallowses; Therefore, good tutor, take your pupil's counsel: 'Tis better beg than steal; live in poor clothes Than hang in satin.

ALB. Villains, I'll be reveng'd, And reveal all the business to a justice!

RON. Do, if thou long'st to see thy own anatomy.

ALB. This treachery persuades me to turn honest.