And be a boy right out.[220]
Thersites, who had been soundly thrashed by Ajax, takes his own method of revenge by declaring
I have bobbed his brain more than he has beat my bones; I will buy nine sparrows for a penny, and his pin mater is not worth the ninth part of a sparrow.[221]
The Swallow
The SWALLOW is cited in the Plays for the swiftness of its flight, and for its annual migration.[222] When Richmond gives the order to march for Bosworth Field, he adds,
True hope is swift, and flies with swallow’s wings;
Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.[223]
The rapidity with which this bird can pursue its course, even close to the ground, had not escaped the poet’s notice. Titus, in praise of his stud, affirms
I have horse will follow where the game
Makes way, and run like swallows o’er the plain.[224]