Page:The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy (1623).pdf/62

 Cursses shall be their first language.

Bos. Fye (Madam) Forget this base, low-fellow.

Dutch. Were I a man: I'll'd beat that counterfeit face, into thy other

Bos. One of no Birth.

Dutch. Say that he was borne meane. Man is most happy, when's owne actions Be arguments, and examples of his Vertue.

Bos. A barren, beggerly vertue.

Dutch. I pre-thee who is greatest, can you tell? Sad tales befit my woe: I'll tell you one. A Salmon, as she swam unto the Sea, Met with a Dog-fish; who encounters her With this rough language: why art thou so bold To mixe thy selfe with our high state of floods Being no eminent Courtier, but one That for the calmest, and fresh time o'th' yeere Do'st live in shallow Rivers, rank'st thy selfe With silly Smylts, and Shrympes? and darest thou Passe by our Dog-ship, without reverence? O (Quoth the Salmon) sister, be at peace: Thanke Jupiter, we both have pass'd the Net, Our value never can be truely knowne, Till in the Fishers basket we be showne, I'th' Market then my price may be the higher, Even when I am neerest to the Cooke, and fire. So, to Great men, the Morrall may be stretched. "Men oft are valued high, when th'are most wretch'd. But come: whether you please: I am arm'd 'gainst misery: Bent to all swaies of the Oppressors will. There's no deepe Valley, but neere some great Hill.