Page:Biographical and critical studies by James Thomson ("B.V.").djvu/106

 90 BIOGRAPHICAL STUDIES And again : — When I am pleased t' unmask a public vice. I fear no strumpet's drugs, nor ruffian's stab, Should I detect their hateful luxuries : No broker's, usurer's, or lawyer's gripe, Were I disposed to say, they are all corrupt. I fear no courtier's frown should I applaud The easy flexure of his supple hams. " And, when he turns to the audience, he addresses them thus, courtly, yet careful to reserve his inde- pendence and self-esteem : — Apollo and the Muses feast your eyes With graceful objects, and may our Minerva Answer your hopes, unto their largest strain ! Yet here mistake me not, judicious friends ; I do not this to beg your patience, Or servilely to fawn on your applause, Like some dry brain, despairing in his merit. Let me be censured by the austerest brow. Where I want art or judgment tax me freely : Let envious censors, with their broadest eyes, Look through and through me : il pursue no favour ; Only vouchsafe me your attentions, And I will give you music worth your ears." "Every Man out of his Humour" was well re- ceived. "Queen Elizabeth, drawn by its fame, honoured the play with her presence ; and Jonson, to pay a respectful compliment to his sovereign, altered the conclusion of his play into an elegant panegyric. Mr. Collins, the poet," Gifford cites from Davies, "Dram. Miscel.," "first pointed out to me the peculiar beauties of this address." This stands
 * ' I fear no mood stamped in a private brow
 * ' Gracious and kind spectators, you are welcome ;