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Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

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


RECREATION.
Farewell, friend Wit, and since you are relieved,
Think not upon your foil, whereat you were so griev'd,
But take your heart to you, and give attempt once more:
I warrant you to speed much better than before.
[_Exeunt_.

ACT IV., SCAENA 4.
WIT, WILL, IDLENESS, IGNORANCE.

WIT.
One dance for thee and me; my boy, come on.
WILL.
Dance you, sir, if you please, and I will look upon.
WIT.
This gear doth make me sweat, and breathe apace.
IDLENESS.
Sir, ease yourself awhile; here is a resting-place.
WIT.
Home, Will, and make my bed, for I will take a nap.
IGNORANCE.
Sure, and it please your mastership, here in my dame's lap.
IDLENESS _singeth_.
_Come, come, lie down, and thou shall see,
None like to me to entertain
Thy bones and thee oppressed with pain.
Come, come, and ease thee in my lap,
And if it please thee, take a nap;
A nap, that shall delight thee so,
That fancies all will thee forego.
By musing still, what canst thou find,
But wants of will and restless mind?
A mind that mars and mangles all,
And breedeth jars to work thy fall!
Come, gentle Wit, I thee require,
And thou shalt hit thy chief desire:
Thy chief desire, thy hoped prey;
First ease thee here, and then away_.
WIT. [_Falls down into her lap_.
My bones are stiff, and I am wearied sore,
And still me-think I faint and feeble more and more;
Wake me again in time, for I have things to do,
And as you will me for mine ease, I do assent thereto.


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