Why then, I'll fit you; say no more:
When I was young,[281] I gave my mind,
And plied myself to fruitless poetry;
Which though it profit the professor nought,
Yet is it[282] passing pleasing to the world.
Lorenzo.
And how for that?
Hieronimo.
Marry, my good lord, thus:
And yet, methinks, you are too quick with us.
When in Toledo, there I studied,
It was my chance to write a tragedy,
See here, my lords, [Shows them a book.
Which (long forgot) I found this other day:
Now would your lordships favour me so much
As but to grace me with your acting it,
I mean, each one of you to play a part,
Assure you it will prove most passing strange,
And wondrous pleasurable[283] to that assembly.
Balthazar.
What, would you have us play a tragedy?
Hieronimo.
Why, Nero thought it no disparagement,
And kings and emperors have ta'en delight,
To make experience of their wits in plays.
Lorenzo.