A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 1 by Various
page 26 of 450 (05%)
page 26 of 450 (05%)
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_Nero_. Why, what Should I have seene in them? but in the one Hunger, black pottage and men hot to die Thereby to rid themselves of misery: And what in th'other? but short Capes, long Beards; Much wrangling in things needlesse to be knowne, Wisedome in words and onely austere faces. I will not be Aieceleaus nor Solon. Nero was there where he might honour win; And honour hath he wonn and brought from _Greece_ Those spoyles which never Roman could obtaine, Spoyles won by witt and _Tropheis_ of his skill. _Nimph_. What a thing he makes it to be a Minstrill! _Poppea_. I prayse your witt, my Lord, that choose such safe Honors, safe spoyles, won without dust or blood. _Nero_. What, mock ye me, _Poppea_? _Poppea_. Nay, in good faith, my Lord, I speake in earnest: I hate that headie and adventurous crew That goe to loose their owne to purchase but The breath of others and the common voyce; Them that will loose their hearing for a sound, That by death onely seeke to get a living, Make skarrs there beautie and count losse of Limmes The commendation of a proper man, And soe goe halting to immortality-- |
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