Arm. Is that one of the four complexions? 88
Boy. As I have read, sir; and the best of
them too.
Arm. Green indeed is the colour of lovers;
but to have a love of that colour, methinks 92
Samson had small reason for it. He surely
affected her for her wit.
Boy. It was so, sir, for she had a green wit.
Arm. My love is most immaculate white and 96
red.
Boy. Most maculate thoughts, master, are
masked under such colours.
Arm. Define, define, well-educated infant. 100
Boy. My father's wit, and my mother's
tongue, assist me!
Arm. Sweet invocation of a child; most pretty
and pathetical! 104
Boy. If she be made of white and red,
Her faults will ne'er be known,
For blushing cheeks by faults are bred,
And fears by pale white shown: 108
Then if she fear, or be to blame,
By this you shall not know,
For still her cheeks possess the same
Which native she doth owe. 112
A dangerous rime, master, against the reason of
white and red.
Arm. Is there not a ballet, boy, of the King
and the Beggar? 116
Boy. The world was very guilty of such a
ballet some three ages since; but I think now
94 affected: liked
wit: understanding
95 green wit; cf. n.
104 pathetical: touching
112 native: naturally
owe: own, possess
115, 116 Cf. n.
115 ballet: ballad
118 ages: generations
