Herod. Come, sir; a stool, boy! these court-feasts are to us servitors court-fasts—such scambling, such shift for to eat, and where to eat. Here a squire of low degree hath got the carcass of a plover, there pages of the chamber divide the spoils of a tatter’d pheasant; here the sewer[161] has friended a country gentleman with a sweet green goose, and there a young fellow that late has bought his office, has caught a woodcock by the nose, with cups full ever-flowing.[162] 9
Nym. But is not Faunus preferr’d with a right hand?
Herod. Did you ever see a fellow so spurted up in a moment? He has got the right ear of the duke, the prince, princess, most of the lords, but all the ladies;
why, he is become their only minion, usher, and supporter.
Nym. He hath gotten more lov’d reputation of virtue, of learning, of all graces, in one hour, than all your snarling reformers have in——
Herod. Nay, that’s unquestionable; and, indeed, what a fruitless labour, what a filling of Danae’s[163] tub, is it become to inveigh against folly! Community takes away the sense, and example the shame. No, 22
Praise me these fellows, hang on their chariot wheel,
And mount with them whom Fortune heaves, nay, drives;
A stoical sour virtue seldom thrives.
Oppose such fortune, and then burst with those are pitied.
The[164] hill of Chance is paved with poor men’s bones,
And bulks of luckless souls, over whose eyes
Their chariot wheels must ruthless grate that rise.
Enter Hercules, freshly suited.
Nym. Behold that thing of most fortunate, most prosperous impudence,[165] Don Faunus himself. 31
Herod. Blessed and long-lasting be thy carnation ribbon, O man of more than wit, much more than virtue—of
fortune! Faunus,[166] wilt eat any of a young spring sallet?