and all that follows to 'who is return'd'—is plainly blank verse, and falls easily into it.
Ib. Speech of Melantius:—
These soft and silken wars are not for me:
The music must be shrill, and all confus'd,
That stirs my blood; and then I dance with arms.
What strange self-trumpeters and tongue-bullies all the brave soldiers of Beaumont and Fletcher are! Yet I am inclined to think it was the fashion of the age from the Soldier's speech in the Counter Scuffle; and deeper than the fashion B. and F. did not fathom.
Ib. Speech of Lysippus:—
Yes, but this lady
Walks discontented, with her wat'ry eyes
Bent on the earth, &c.
Opulent as Shakspeare was, and of his opulence prodigal, he yet would not have put this exquisite piece of poetry in the mouth of a no-character, or as addressed to a Melantius. I wish that B. and F. had written poems instead of tragedies.
Ib.
'Mel'. I might run fiercely, not more hastily, Upon my foe.
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