For this same honor with us citizens
Is a thing we are mainly fond of, especially
When it comes without money, which is very seldom.
But as you do perceive my present temper,
Be sure I’m yours.”
And of this Contarino was sure, the irony of Romelio’s speech having been so delicately conveyed that he was unable to perceive it.
A little earlier in this scene a speech is put into the mouth of Romelio so characteristic of Webster’s more sententious style that I will repeat it:—
“O, my lord, lie not idle:
The chiefest action for a man of great spirit
Is never to be out of action. We should think