learning, so they were no less examples of living. Of
them, and then, that I say no more, it was not despised. Now that the
printer, by a doubled charge, thinks it worthy a longer life than commonly
the air of such things doth promise, I am careful to put it a servant to
their pleasures, who are the inheritors of the first favour born it. Yet,
I command it lie not in the way of your more noble and useful studies to
the public: for so I shall suffer for it. But when the gown and cap is
off, and the lord of liberty reigns, then, to take it in your hands,
perhaps may make some bencher, tincted with humanity, read and not repent
him.

By your true honourer,

BEN JONSON.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

ASPER, the Presenter.
MACILENTE.
PUNTARVOLO, -- his Lady. -- Waiting Gent. -- Huntsman. --
Servingmen. -- Dog and Cat.
CARLO BUFFONE.
FASTIDIOUS BRISK, -- Cinedo, his Page.
DELIRO, FALLACE, -- Fido, their Servant. -- Musicians.
SAVIOLINA.
SORDIDO. -- His Hind.
FUNGOSO. -- Tailor, Haberdasher, Shoemaker
SOGLIARDO.
SHIFT. -- Rustics.
NOTARY.
CLOVE, ORANGE. -- A Groom. -- Drawers. -- Constable, and Officers.
GREX. -- CORDATUS -- MITIS.

THE CHARACTERS OF THE PERSONS

ASPER, he is of an ingenious and free spirit, eager and constant in
reproof, without fear controlling the world's abuses. One whom no servile
hope of gain, or frosty apprehension of danger, can make to be a parasite,
either to time, place, or opinion.

MACILENTE, a man well parted, a sufficient scholar, and travelled; who,
wanting that place in the world's account which he thinks his merit capable
of, falls into such an envious apoplexy, with which his judgment is so
dazzled and distasted, that he grows violently impatient of any opposite
happiness in another.

PUNTARVOLO, a vain-glorious knight, over-englishing his travels, and wholly
consecrated to singularity; the very Jacob's staff of compliment; a sir
that hath lived to see the revolution of time in most of his apparel. Of
presence good enough, but so palpably affected to his own praise, that for
want of flatterers he commends himself, to the floutage of his own family.
He deals upon returns, and strange performances, resolving, in despite of
public derision, to stick to his own fashion, phrase, and gesture.

CARLO BUFFONE, a public, scurrilous, and profane jester, that more swift
than Circe, with absurd similes, will tra