Ben Jonson - Volpone; Or, The Fox (Act 5 Scene 5.5) lyrics

ANOTHER PART OF THE STREET. ENTER CORBACCIO AND CORVINO;— MOSCA PASSES OVER THE STAGE, BEFORE THEM. CORB See, in our habit! see the impudent varlet! CORV That I could shoot mine eyes at him like gun-stones. [ENTER VOLPONE.] VOLP But is this true, sir, of the parasite? CORB Again, to afflict us! monster! VOLP In good faith, sir, I'm heartily grieved, a beard of your grave length Should be so over-reach'd. I never brook'd That parasite's hair; methought his nose should cozen: There still was somewhat in his look, did promise The bane of a clarissimo. CORB Knave— VOLP Methinks Yet you, that are so traded in the world, A witty merchant, the fine bird, Corvino, That have such moral emblems on your name, Should not have sung your shame; and dropt your cheese, To let the Fox laugh at your emptiness. CORV Sirrah, you think the privilege of the place, And your red saucy cap, that seems to me Nail'd to your jolt-head with those two chequines, Can warrant your abuses; come you hither: You shall perceive, sir, I dare beat you; approach. VOLP No haste, sir, I do know your valour well, Since you durst publish what you are, sir. CORV Tarry, I'd speak with you. VOLP Sir, sir, another time— CORV Nay, now. VOLP O lord, sir! I were a wise man, Would stand the fury of a distracted cuckold. [AS HE IS RUNNING OFF, RE-ENTER MOSCA.] CORB What, come again! VOLP Upon 'em, Mosca; save me. CORB The air's infected where he breathes. CORV Let's fly him. [EXEUNT CORV. AND CORB.] VOLP Excellent basilisk! turn upon the vulture. [ENTER VOLTORE.] VOLT Well, flesh-fly, it is summer with you now; Your winter will come on. MOS Good advocate, Prithee not rail, nor threaten out of place thus; Thou'lt make a solecism, as madam says. Get you a biggin more, your brain breaks loose. [EXIT.] VOLT Well, sir. VOLP Would you have me beat the insolent slave, Throw dirt upon his first good clothes? VOLT This same Is doubtless some familiar. VOLP Sir, the court, In troth, stays for you. I am mad, a mule That never read Justinian, should get up, And ride an advocate. Had you no quirk To avoid gullage, sir, by such a creature? I hope you do but jest; he has not done it: 'Tis but confederacy, to blind the rest. You are the heir. VOLT A strange, officious, Troublesome knave! thou dost torment me. VOLP I know— It cannot be, sir, that you should be cozen'd; 'Tis not within the wit of man to do it; You are so wise, so prudent; and 'tis fit That wealth and wisdom still should go together. [EXEUNT.]