I am ashamed of so ignorant a carper, who doth not know that an epithet in tragedy is very often no other than an expletive. Do not we read in the New Sophonisba of "grinding chains, blue plagues, white occasions, and blue serenity?" Nay, it is not the adjective only, but sometimes half a sentence is put by way of expletive, as, "Beauty pointed high with spirit," in the same play; and, "In the lap of blessing, to be most curst," in the Revenge. ]
SCENE VII.—Plain.—GRIZZLE, FOODLE, Rebels.
Griz. Thus far our arms with victory are crown'd; For, though we have not fought, yet we have found [1] No enemy to fight withal.
[Footnote 1: A victory like that of Almanzor: Almanzor is victorious without fight.—Conq. of Granada. ]
Food. Yet I, Methinks, would willingly avoid this day, [1] This first of April, to engage our foes.
[Footnote 1: Well have we chose an happy day for fight;
For every man, in course of time, has found
Some days are lucky, some unfortunate.—King Arthur.
]
Griz. This day, of all the days of th' year, I'd choose, For on this day my grandmother was born. Gods! I will make Tom Thumb an April-fool; [1] Will teach his wit an errand it ne'er knew, And send it post to the Elysian shades.
[Footnote 1: We read of such another in Lee:
Teach his rude wit a flight she never made,
And send her post to the Elysian shade.—Gloriana.
]
Food. I'm glad to find our army is so stout, Nor does it move my wonder less than joy.
Griz. [1] What friends we have, and how we came so strong, I'll softly tell you as we march along.