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Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

"A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2"


Come, let me do it on, and if Isaac feel,
He shall therewith be beguiled wondrous well.
[_Here she doth the sleeves upon Jacob's arms_.
JACOB. And what shall this gear do, that ye have brought?
REBECCA. It shall serve anon, I warrant you, take no thought.
Now, thoroughly to ravish thy father Isaac,
Thou shalt here incontinent put upon thy back
Esau his best apparel, whose fragrant flavour
Shall conjure Isaac to bear thee his favour.
DEBORAH. Marry, sir, now is master Jacob trim indeed,
That is all tricksy and gallant, so God me speed!
Now I see apparel setteth out a man.
Doth it become Esau so? nay, beshrew me then.
REBECCA. Ye may now go in, nurse, and leave looking on him.
DEBORAH. I go; marry, sir, Jacob is now gay and trim.
[_Jacob standeth looking on himself_.
JACOB. No, forsooth, mother, this raiment liketh not me.
I could with mine own gear better contented be.
And, but for satisfying of your mind and will,
I would not wear it, to have it for mine own still.
I love not to wear another bird's feathers:
Mine own poor homely gear will serve for all weathers.
REBECCA. Well, content thyself, and follow my mind this day.
Now the meat by this time is ready, I dare say.
Before that with too much _enough_ it be all spilt,
Take thy time, and assail thy father, when thou wilt.
JACOB. Yea, but have ye provided, mother, I you pray,
That nobody within may your counsel bewray?
REBECCA.


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