The Devil is an Ass

by Ben Jonson

Fit. S’lid, it is the Diuell.

Becauſe it is the Diuell.

Mer. And, ’twere his Damme too, you muſt now apply Your ſelfe, Sir, to this, wholly; or loſe all. 40

Fit. If I could but ſee a piece—

Mer. S^r. Neuer think on’t.

Fit. Come but to one act, and I did not care— But to be ſeene to riſe, and goe away, To vex the Players, and to puniſh their Poet— Keepe him in awe!

Mer. But ſay, that he be one, 45 Wi’ not be aw’d! but laugh at you. How then?

Fit. Then he ſhall pay for his’dinner himſelfe.

Mer. Perhaps, He would doe that twice, rather then thanke you. Come, get the Diuell out of your head, my Lord, (I’ll call you ſo in priuate ſtill) and take 50 Your Lord-ſhip i’ your minde. You were, ſweete Lord, He puts him in mind of his quarrell. In talke to bring a Buſineſſe to the Office.

Fit. Yes.