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Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

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


This is the very same that you received from me.
SCIENCE.
From thee? why look, they are no more like,
Than chalk to cheese, than black to white.
REASON.
To put thee out of doubt, if thou think we say not true,
It were good for thee in a glass thy face to view.
WIT.
Well-remembered, and a glass I have indeed,
Which glass you gave me to use at need.
REASON.
Hast thou the glass, which I to Wit did give?
WIT.
I have it in my purse, and will keep it, while I live.
REASON.
This makes[426] me muse how should he come thereby?
WIT.
Sir, muse no more, for it is even I,
To whom you gave the glass, and here it is.
REASON.
We are content thou try thy case by this.
WIT. [_Looking in the glass_.
Either my glass is wonderfully spotted,
Or else my face is wonderfully blotted.
This is not my coat; why, where had I this weed?
By the mass, I look like a very fool indeed.
O haps of haps, O rueful chance to me!
O Idleness, woe-worth the time, that I was ruled by thee!
Why did I lay my head within thy lap to rest?
Why was I not advis'd by her, that wish'd and will'd[427] me best?
O ten times treble[428] blessed wights, whose corps in grave do lie:
That are not driven to behold these wretched cares which I[429]!
On me you[430] furies all, on me, have poured out your spite,
Come now and slay me at the last, and rid my sorrows quite.
What coast shall me receive? where shall I show my head?
The world will say this same is he that, if he list, had sped.


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