[324] Often mentioned in company with Mahomet and regarded as a Saracen deity. In the miracle-plays he was introduced as a noisy ranter, like Herod. [325] In the closing chapter of _Vulgar Errors_, Sir Thomas Browne writes:--"I hope it is not true, and some indeed have probably denied, what is recorded of the monk who poisoned Henry the emperor in a draught of the Holy Eucharist. 'Twas a scandalous wound unto the Christian religion, and I hope all Pagans will forgive it, when they shall read that a Christian was poisoned in a cup of Christ and received his bane in a draught of his salvation." [326] An allusion to _lues venerea_. [327] Old eds. "That." [328] The waggish old printers read "The pox is unto panders given!" The line (which was properly restored by the editor of 1820) must have been purposely misprinted. [329] "Night ... the way."--These lines are found in Barkstead's _Myrrha_, 1607. See Introduction to vol. i. [330] Old eds. "Like _Missermis_ cheating of the _brack_." The editor of 1820 reads "Like Missermis cheating of the brach," and to the word _brach_ appends a note, "_i.e._, the bitch;" but who was Missermis and what the bitch? Every reader of Herodotus (and every reader of Matthew Arnold) will remember how Mycerinus cheated the oracle by turning the day into the night. Six thousand years ago the torches flared in Mycerinus' palace; and I saw his bones this afternoon at Bloomsbury! THE METAMORPHOSIS OF PYGMALION'S IMAGE, AND CERTAIN SATIRES. _The Metamorphosis of Pigmalions Image. And Certaine Satyres. At London, Printed for Edmond Matts, & are to be sold at the signe of the hand and Plough in Fleet streete._ 1598. 8vo. _TO THE WORLD'S MIGHTY MONARCH_, GOOD OPINION. Sole regent of affection, perpetual ruler of judgment, most famous justice of censures, only giver of honour, great procurer of advancement, the world's chief balance, the all of all, and all in all, by whom all things are that that they are, I humbly offer this my poem. Thou soul of pleasure, honour's only substance, Great arbitrator, umpire of the earth, Whom fleshly epicures call virtue's essence; Thou moving orator, whose powerful breath Sways all men's judgment--Great Opinion, Vouchsafe to gild my imperfection. If thou but deign to grace my blushing style, And crown my muse with good opinion; If thou vouchsafe with gracious eye to smile Upon my young new-born invention, I'll sing a hymn in honour of thy name And add some trophy to enlarge thy fame.