Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/84

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SCENE II. A square court, surrounded on all sides by the gloomy walls of a prison, the windows of which are narrow and grated, and the heads of one or two of the prisoners seen looking ruefully through the grates.

Gloomy enough, gloomy enough in faith! Ah! what a wond'rous mass of dreary walls, Whose frowning sides are reft in narrow slips As I have seen full oft some sea-worn cliff, Pierc'd with the murky holes of savage birds. Ah! here the birds within are clipt o' wing, And cannot fly away. Holla, my friend! I pray thee not so fast; Inform me, if thou canst, where I may find The keeper of the prison.

Know you what prince you speak to? fancy knave! I'll have thee scorch'd, and flead, and piece-meal torn, If thou dost call me friend.

Good words at least; I meant thee no offence. I see thou hast a tankard in thy hand,