The Devil is an Ass

by Ben Jonson

Eit. So M^r. Either-ſide ſaies, Madame.

Mer. The Lady is come.

Tay. Is ſhe? Good, waite vpon her in. My Ambler Was neuer ſo ill abſent. Either-ſide, How doe I looke to day? Am I not dreſt, 60 Spruntly?

She lookes in her glaſſe.

Eit. Yes, verily, Madame.

Tay. Pox o’ Madame, Will you not leaue that?

Eit. Yes, good Taile-buſh.

Tay. So? Sounds not that better? What vile Fucus is this, Thou haſt got on?

Eit. ’Tis Pearle.

Tay. Pearle? Oyſter-ſhells: As I breath, Either-side, I know’t. Here comes 65 (They say) a wonder, ſirrah, has beene in Spaine! Will teach vs all; ſhee’s ſent to mee, from Court. To gratulate with mee! Pr’y thee, let’s obſerue her, What faults ſhe has, that wee may laugh at ’hem, When ſhe is gone.