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Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

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


INSTRUCTION.
For my part, I know I can do you no good.
WILL.
You are a proper man of your hands, by the rood!
Yet well fare him, that never his master forsaketh.
WIT.
What say'st thou, Study?
STUDY.
My head acheth.
WIT.
Out upon thee, coward! speak, Diligence.
DILIGENCE.
Against Instruction's mind, I am loth to go hence,
Yet I will make one, rather than you should lack.
WIT.
Perhaps we may find them at this time in bed.
WILL.
So much the rather look you to be sped,
Care for no more, but once to come within her,
And when you have done, then let another win her.
WIT.
To come within her, child? what meanest thou by that?
WILL.
One mass for a penny, you know what is what!
WIT.
Heard you ever such a counsel of such a Jack sprat?
WILL.
Why, sir, do ye think to do any good,
If ye stand in a corner like Robin Hood?
Nay, you must stout it, and face it out with the best:
Set on a good countenance, make the most of the least,
Whosoever skip in, look to your part,
And while you live, beware of a false heart.
WIT.
Both blame and shame rash boldness doth breed.
WILL.
You must adventure both: spare to speak, spare to speed.
What tell you me of shame? it is shame to steal a horse.
WIT.
More haste than good speed makes many fare the worse.
WILL.
But he that takes not such time, while he may,
Shall leap at a whiting, when time is away.


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