Page:The Rehearsal - Villiers (1672).djvu/39

 Smi. But, Mr. Bayes, I thought your Heroes had ever been men of great humanity and justice.

Bayes. Yes, they have been so; but, for my part, I prefer that one quality of singly beating of whole Armies, above all your moral vertues put together, I gad. You shall see him come in presently. Zookers, why don't you read the papyr?

K. Phys. O, cry you mercie.

Bayes. Pish! nay you are such a fumbler. Come, I'l read it my self.

Stay, it's an ill hand, I must use my Spectacles. This, now, is a Copie of Verses, which I make Lardella compose, just as she is dying, with design to have it pin'd on her Coffin, and so read by one of the Usurpers, who is her Cousin.

Smi. A very shrewd design that, upon my word, Mr. Bayes.

Bayes. And what do you think I fancie her to make Love like, here, in the papyr?

Smi. Like a woman: what should she make Love like?

Bayes. O'my word you are out though, Sir; I gad you are.

Smi. What then? like a man?

Bayes. No, Sir; like a Humble Bee.

Smi. I confess, that I should not have fancy'd.

Bayes. It may be so, Sir. But it is, though, in order to the opinion of some of your ancient Philosophers, who held the transmigration of the soul.

Smi. Very fine.

Bayes. I'l read the Title. To my dear Couz, King Phys.

Smi. That's a little too familiar with a King, though, Sir, by your favour, for a Humble Bee.

Bayes. Mr. Smith, for other things, I grant your knowledge may be above me; but, as for Poetry, give me leave to say, I understand that better: it has been longer my practice; it has indeed, Sir.

Smi. Your servant, Sir.

Bayes. Pray mark it. Since death my earthly part will thus remove I'l come a Humble Bee to your chaste love.