In Shakespeare’s play there is mention of a tedious brief scene of young Pyramus and his love, Thisbe; very tragical mirth. Merry and tragical, tedious and brief, Cambyses’ vein has become proverbial for rant, chiefly in connexion with the stage.
PLAY.
I’ll play Percy and that damned brawn shall play Dame Mortimer and his wife.
II, 4, 122.
Dost thou speak like a king? Do thou stand forth for me and I’ll play my father.
II, 4, 477.
Play out the play.
II, IV, 482.
PLAYER.
He doth it as like one of these harlotry players as ever I see.