Part 54

JACCONOT (rapidly).

These are but few things among many! for 'scutcheons, scarecrows, proclamations, the bird in a cage, the target for fools' wit, hic jacet tablets (that is, lying ones), the King's Head and the Queen's Arms, ropes of onions, dried herbs, smoked fish, holly boughs, hall lanthorns, framed piety texts, and adored frights of family portraits, all hang! Likewise corkscrews, cat-skins, glittering trophies, sausage links, shining icicles, the crucifix, and the skeleton in chains. There, we all swing, my masters! Tut! hanging's a high Act of Parliament privilege!--a Star-Chamber Garter-right!

MIDDLETON (to Heywood laughingly).

The devil's seed germinates with reptile rapidity, and blossoms and fructifies in the vinous fallows of this bully's brain!

JACCONOT.

I tell thee what----(looking off) another time!

Exit JACCONOT hastily.

HEYWOOD.

I breathe fresh air!

MIDDLETON.

Look!--said I not so? See whom 'tis he meets; And with a lounging, loose, familiar air, Cocking his cap and setting his hand on's hip, Salutes with such free language as his action And attitude explain!

HEYWOOD.

I grieve for Marlowe: The more, since 'tis as certain he must have Full course of passion, as that its object's full Of most unworthy elements.

MIDDLETON.

Unworthy, Indeed, of such a form, if all be base. But Nature, methinks, doth seldom so belie The inward by the outward; seldom frame A cheat so finish'd to ensnare the senses, And break our faith in all substantial truth. Exeunt.

Enter CECILIA, followed by JACCONOT.

JACCONOT.

Well, well, Mistress St. Cecil; the money is all well enough--I object nothing to the money.

CECILIA.

Then, go your ways.

JACCONOT.

My ways are your ways--a murrain on your beauties!--has your brain shot forth skylarks as your eyes do sparks?

CECILIA.

Go!--here is my purse.

JACCONOT.

I'll no more of't!--I have a mind to fling back what thou'st already given me for my services.

CECILIA.

Master Jacconot, I would have no further services from thee. If thou art not yet satisfied, fetch the weight and scales, and I will cast my gold into it, and my dross besides--so shall I be doubly relieved.