Plainly, then, it’s said she visits Herbert in that horseman’s cloak. ’Twas Hughes spread the thing: he knows.
Shakespeare:
Herbert! Damn her!
Jonson:
Put her out of your head, man. Violet’s worth a dozen of her. Put her out of your head and think of weightier things. You are to play at Court this afternoon, and Burbage says the Queen will make you Master of the Revels if you ask for it. I wish ’twere mine for the asking.
Shakespeare:
It irks me to ask favours of her: her hands are red with blood.
Jonson:
For your friends’ sake, Will, if not for your own: Burbage wants it, all of us; it would strengthen us, and we need it. The preachers grow louder against us every day, and the old cat is breaking fast; she won’t last long. Burleigh and all of them are in weekly letters with James. Ask boldly, man; once in the place you are there for life.
Shakespeare: