The Devil is an Ass

by Ben Jonson

Pov. It is the diuell, by his ſeuerall langauges.

Enter the Keeper of New-gate.

Sha. Where’s S^r. Poule Ether-ſide?

Pov. Here, what’s the matter?

Sha. O! ſuch an accident falne out at Newgate, Sir: A great piece of the priſon is rent downe! The Diuell has beene there, Sir, in the body— 125 Of the young Cut-Purſe, was hang’d out this morning, But, in new clothes, Sir, euery one of vs know him. Theſe things were found in his pocket.

Amb. Thoſe are mine, S^r.

Sha. I thinke he was commited on your charge, Sir. For a new felony.

Amb. Yes.

Sha. Hee’s gone, Sir, now, 130 And left vs the dead body. But withall, Sir, Such an infernall ſtincke, and ſteame behinde, You cannot ſee S^t. Pulchars Steeple, yet. They ſmell’t as farre as Ware, as the wind lies, 134 By this time, ſure.

Fit. Is this vpon your credit, friend?