Page:The Works of Ben Jonson - Gifford - Volume 4.djvu/30

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26
THE ALCHEMIST.

Re-enter Subtle in his velvet cap and gown.

Is this the cunning-man?

Face.This is his worship.

Dap.Is he a doctor?

Face.Yes.

Dap.And have you broke with him, captain?

Face.Ay.

Dap.And how?

Face.Faith, he does make the matter, sir, so dainty
I know not what to say.

Dap.Not so, good captain.

Face.Would I were fairly rid of it, believe me.

Dap.Nay, now you grieve me, sir. Why should you wish so?
I dare assure you, I'll not be ungrateful.

Face.I cannot think you will, sir. But the law
Is such a thing——and then he says, Read's matter
Falling so lately.[1]

    to this circumstance. Thus Brome, who probably had his master, Jonson, in his thoughts,
    ——"when every puisne clerk can carry
    The time o' the day in his breeches."Antipodes.
    And Marmion:
    Pet. Ne'er a watch! 'tis the greatest solecism in society that ever I heard of: ne'er a watch!"
    Lion. How deeply you conceive of it!
    Pet. You have not a gentleman, that's a true gentleman, without one."The Antiquary.

  1. ———And then he says, Read's matter
    Falling so lately.] In Rymer's Fœdera, vol. xvi. p. 666, we meet with a pardon from James I. to the person here meant, for practising the black art: "Simon Read of St. George's Southwark, professor of physic, who was indicted for the invocation of wicked spirits, in order to find out the name of the person who had stole 37l. 10s, from Tobias Matthews of