A Select Collection of Old English Plays
Book Excerpt
FUL. Though he appear fresh as a bloom That newly kiss'd the sun, adorn'd with pearly Drops, flung from the hand of the rose-finger'd morn, Yet in his heart lives a whole host of valour.
PAN. He appears A second Mars.
ALER. More powerful, since he holds wisdom And valour captive.
FUL. Let us salute him.
[Whilst they salute ANTONIO, enters COUNT MACHIAVEL.
MACH. Ha! how close they strike, as if they heard A winged thunderbolt [that] threaten'd his death, And each ambitious were to lose his life; So it might purchase him a longer being: Their breath engenders like two peaceful winds, That join a friendly league, and fill the air With silken music; I may pass by, and scarce be spar'd a look, Or any else but young Antonio. Rise from thy scorching den, thou soul of mischief! My blood boils hotter than the poison'd flesh Of Hercules cloth'd in the Centaur's shirt: Swell me, revenge, till I become a hill, High as Ol