All the other characters, except one, reproduce familiar types of brave soldiers and proud monarchs. Jeronimo himself, however, stands apart. Though completely overshadowed in our memory by his terrible development in the next play, he has here a certain independent interest on account of age and humour. True, he announces that he is just fifty, which is no great age. But he is old, as Lear is old; he is called the father of his kingdom. Vague, fleeting yet recurrent is the resemblance between him and Polonius. Tradition bids us regard Polonius as an intentionally humorous creation. Jeronimo's humour is of the same family. We feel sure that this newly appointed Marshal of Spain pottered about the Court, wagging his beard sagaciously over the unwisdom of youth, his mind full of responsibility, his heart of courage, but his tongue letting fall, every now and then, simple half-foolish sayings which betrayed the approach of dotage. He is very short, and exhibits a childish vanity in constantly referring to his shortness. 'As short my body, short shall be my stay.' 'My mind's a giant, though my bulk be small.' By such quaint speeches does he excite our smiles. And yet, by a very human touch, he is represented as furiously resenting any slighting allusion, by any one else, to his stature. In the _pourparlers_ before battle Prince Balthezar grows impertinent. But we will quote the lines, and so take leave of Jeronimo. [_The Portuguese have already made a demonstration, with drums and colours._] _Jeronimo._ What, are you braving us before we come! We'll be as shrill as you. Strike 'larum, drum! [_They sound a flourish on both sides._] _Balthezar._ Thou inch of Spain! Thou man, from thy hose downward scarce so much! Thou very little longer than thy beard! Speak not such big words; they'll throw thee down, Little Jeronimo! words greater than thyself! It must not [be]. _Jeronimo._ And thou long thing of Portugal, why not? Thou, that art full as tall As an English gallows, upper beam and all; Devourer of apparel, thou huge swallower, My hose will scarce make thee a standing collar. What! have I almost quited you? _Andrea._ Have done, impatient marshal.