The Works of Christopher Marlowe, Vol. 3 (of 3)Marlowe, Christopher
General
The Works of Christopher Marlowe, Vol. 3 (of 3)
Marlowe, Christopher
English poetry
These are but few things among many! for 'scutcheons, scarecrows,
proclamations, the bird in a cage, the target for fools' wit, _hic
jacet_ tablets (that is, lying ones), the King's Head and the Queen's
Arms, ropes of onions, dried herbs, smoked fish, holly boughs, hall
lanthorns, framed piety texts, and adored frights of family portraits,
all hang! Likewise corkscrews, cat-skins, glittering trophies, sausage
links, shining icicles, the crucifix, and the skeleton in chains. There,
we all swing, my masters! Tut! hanging's a high Act of Parliament
privilege!--a Star-Chamber Garter-right!
MIDDLETON (_to_ Heywood _laughingly_).
The devil's seed germinates with reptile rapidity, and blossoms and
fructifies in the vinous fallows of this bully's brain!
JACCONOT.
I tell thee what----(_looking off_) another time!
_Exit_ JACCONOT _hastily._
HEYWOOD.
I breathe fresh air!
MIDDLETON.
Look!--said I not so? See whom 'tis he meets;
And with a lounging, loose, familiar air,
Cocking his cap and setting his hand on's hip,
Salutes with such free language as his action
And attitude explain!
HEYWOOD.
I grieve for Marlowe:
The more, since 'tis as certain he must have
Full course of passion, as that its object's full
Of most unworthy elements.
MIDDLETON.
Unworthy,
Indeed, of such a form, if all be base.
But Nature, methinks, doth seldom so belie
The inward by the outward; seldom frame
A cheat so finish'd to ensnare the senses,
And break our faith in all substantial truth. _Exeunt._
_Enter_ CECILIA, _followed by_ JACCONOT.
JACCONOT.
Well, well, Mistress St. Cecil; the money is all well enough--I object
nothing to the money.
CECILIA.
Then, go your ways.
JACCONOT.
My ways are your ways--a murrain on your beauties!--has your brain shot
forth skylarks as your eyes do sparks?
CECILIA.
Go!--here is my purse.
JACCONOT.
I'll no more of't!--I have a mind to fling back what thou'st already
given me for my services.
CECILIA.
Master Jacconot, I would have no further services from thee. If thou art
not yet satisfied, fetch the weight and scales, and I will cast my gold
into it, and my dross besides--so shall I be doubly relieved.
JACCONOT.
I say again--and the devil bear me fierce witness!--it is not gold I
want, but rightful favour; not silver, but sweet civility; not dross,
but the due respect to my non-pareil value! Bethink thee, Cecil--bethink
thee of many things! Ay! am not I the true gallant of my time? the great
Glow-worm and Will-o'-the-wisp--the life, the fortune, and the favourite
of the brightest among ye!
CECILIA.
Away!
JACCONOT.
Whither?
CECILIA.
Anywhere, so it be distant.
JACCONOT.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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