The divell is an asse a comedie acted in the yeare 1616, by His Majesties servants / the author, Ben. Iohnson.

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Title
The divell is an asse a comedie acted in the yeare 1616, by His Majesties servants / the author, Ben. Iohnson.
Author
Jonson, Ben, 1573?-1637.
Publication
Imprinted at London :: [s.n.],
1641.
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Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A46228.0001.001
Cite this Item
"The divell is an asse a comedie acted in the yeare 1616, by His Majesties servants / the author, Ben. Iohnson." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A46228.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 24, 2025.

Pages

Act. III. Scene. IV.
Meer-craft. Wittipol. Ingine.
HOw goes the cry?
Ing
Excellent well!
Mer.
Wil't do? Where's Robinson?
Ing.
Here is the Gentleman, Sir. Will undertake t'himselfe. I have acquainted him.
Mer.
Why did you so?
Ing.
Why, Robinson would ha'told him, You know. And he's a pleasant wit! will hurt Nothing you purpose. Then, he'is of opinion, That Robinson might have audacity, She being such a gallant. Now, he has beene, In Spaine, and knowes the fashions there, and can Discourse; and being but mirth (he saies) leave much, To his care:
Mer.
But he is too tall!
Ing.
For that, He has the bravest device!* 1.1 (you'll love him for't) To say, he weares Cioppins: and they doe so In Spaine. And Robinson's as tall, as he.
Mer.
Is he so?
Ing.
Every jot.
Mer.
Nay, I had rather To trust a Gentleman with it, o'the two.
Ing.
Pray you goe to him, then, Sir, and salute him.
Mer.
Sir, my friend Ingine has acquainted you With a strange businesse, here.
Wit.
A merry one, Sir. The Duke of Droun'd land, and his Dutchesse?
Mer.
Yes, Sir. Now, that the Conjurers ha'laid him by, I ha'made bold to borrow him a while;
Wit.
With purpose, yet, to put him out I hope To his best use?
Mer.
Yes, Sir.
Wit.
For that small part, That I am trusted with, put off your care: I would not lose to doe it, for the mirth, Will follow of it; and well I have a fancy.
Mer.
Sir, that will make it well.
Wit.
You will report it so. Where must I have my dressing?
Ing.
At my house, Sir.
Mer.
You shall have caution, Sir, for what he yeelds, To six pence.
Wit.
You shall pardon me. I will share, Sir, I' your sports, only: nothing i'your purchase. But you must furnish me with complements, To th'manner of Spaine; my coach, my guarda duenn'as;
Mer.
Ingine's your Pro'vedor. But, Sir, I must (Now I'have entred trust wi'you, thus farre)

Page 38

Secure still i'your quality, acquaint you With somewhat, beyond this. The place design'd To be the Scene, for this our merry matter, Because it must have countenance of women, To draw discourse, and offer it, is hereby, At the Lady Taile-bushes.
Wit.
I know her, Sir▪ And her Gentleman huisher.
Mer.
Mr. Ambler?
Wit.
Yes, Sir.
Mer.
Sir, it shall be no shame to me, to confesse To you that we poore Gentlemen, that want acres, Must for our needs, turne fooles up, and plough Ladies Sometimes, to try what glebe they are: and this Is no unfruitfull piece. She and I now, Are on a project for the fact, and venting Of a new kinde of fucus (paint for Ladies) To serve the kingdome: wherein she her selfe Hath travell'd, specially by way of service Vnto her sexe, and hopes to get the Monopoly, As the reward of her invention.
Wit.
What is her end, in this▪
〈◊〉〈◊〉.
Merely ambition, Sir, to grow great, and court it with the secret: Though she pretend some other. For she's dealing, Already, upon caution for the shares, And Mr. Ambler, is he nam'd Examiner For the ingredients; and the Register Of what is vented; and shall keepe the Office. Now, if she breake with you, of this (as I Must make the leading thred to your acquaintance, That how experience gotten i'your being Abroad, will helpe our businesse) thinke of some Pretty additions, but to keepe her floting: It may be, she will offer you a part, Any strange names of—
Wit.
Sir, I have my instructions. Is it not high time to be making ready?
Mer.
Yes, Sir,
Ing.
The foole's in sight, Dttrel.
Mer.
Away then.

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