Page:Works of Sir John Suckling.djvu/235

 how, and how, in faith—a pretty plot; And smartly carried through too, was it not? And the devils, how? well; and the fighting? Well too; a fool, and't had been just old writing. O, what a monster-wit must that man have, That could please all which now their twelvepence gave! High characters (cries one); and he would see Things that ne'er were, nor are, nor ne'er will be. Romances, cries easy souls; and then they swear The play's well writ, though scarce a good line's there. The women—O, if Stephen should be kill'd, Or miss the lady, how the plot is spill'd! And into how many pieces a poor play Is taken still before the second day, Like a strange beauty newly come to court! And, to say truth, good faith, 'tis all the sport. One will like all the ill things in a play, Another some o' th' good, but the wrong way; So that from one poor play there comes t'arise At several tables several comedies. The ill is only here, that 't may fall out In plays as faces; and who goes about To take asunder, oft destroys (we know) What altogether made a pretty show.