Page:The Rehearsal - Villiers (1672).djvu/6

 Smi. Indeed, I have ever observed, that your grave lookers are the dullest of men.

Johns. I, and of Birds, and Beasts too: your gravest Bird is an Owl, and your gravest Beast is an Ass.

Smi. Well; but how dost thou pass thy time?

Johns. Why, as I use to do; eat and drink as well as I can, have a She-friend to be private with in the afternoon, and sometimes see a Play: where there are such things (Frank) such hideous, monstrous things, that it has almost made me forswear the Stage, and resolve to apply my self to the solid nonsence of your pretenders to Business, as the more ingenious pastime.

Smi. I have heard, indeed, you have had lately many new Plays, and our Country-wits commend 'em.

Johns. I, so do some of our City-wits too; but they are of the new kind of Wits.

Smi. New kind? what kind is that?

Johns. Why, your Blade, your frank Persons, your Drolls: fellows that scorn to imitate Nature; but are given altogether to elevate and surprise.

Smi. Elevate, and surprise? pr'ythee make me understand the meaning of that.

Johns. Nay, by my troth, that's a hard matter: I don't understand that my self. 'Tis a phrase they have got among them, to express their no-meaning by. I'l tell you, as well as I can, what it is. Let me see; 'tis Fighting, Loving, Sleeping, Rhyming, Dying, Dancing, Singing, Crying; and every thing, but Thinking and Sence.

Bayes. Your most obsequious, and most observant, very servant, Sir.

Johns. Godso, this is an Author: I'l fetch him to you.

Smi. Nay, pr'ythee let him alone.

Johns. Nay, by the Lord, I'l have him. Here he is. I have caught him. Pray, Sir, for may sake, will you do a favour to this friend of mine?

Bayes. Sir, it is not within my small capacity to do favours,