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About this text

  • Title: Everyman In His Humor (Modern)
  • Editor: David Bevington

  • Copyright David Bevington. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: Ben Jonson
    Editor: David Bevington
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Everyman In His Humor (Modern)

    [Enter Lorenzo Jr., Prospero, Stephano, [and] Musco [disguised still as a soldier. Lorenzo Jr., Prospero, and Musco confer where Stephano cannot hear them.]
    Lorenzo Jr.
    Well, Musco, perform this business happily and thou makest a conquest of my love forever.
    Prospero
    [To Musco] I'faith, now let thy spirits put on their best habit. But, at any hand, remember thy message to my brother, for there's no other means to start him.
    Musco
    I warrant you, sir, fear nothing. I have a nimble soul that hath waked all my imaginative forces by this time and put them in true motion. What you have possessed me withal, I'll discharge it amply, sir. Make no question.
    1735Prospero
    That's well said, Musco.
    Exit Musco.
    [To Lorenzo Jr.] Faith, sirrah, how dost thou approve my wit in this device?
    Lorenzo Jr.
    Troth, well, howsoever, but excellent if it take.
    Prospero
    Take, man? Why, it cannot choose but take, if the circumstances miscarry not. But tell me zealously: dost thou affect my sister Hesperida, as thou pretendest?
    1740Lorenzo Jr.
    Prospero, by Jesu!
    Prospero
    Come, do not protest, I believe thee. I'faith, she is a virgin of good ornament and much modesty. Unless I conceived very worthily of her, thou shouldst not have her.
    Lorenzo Jr.
    Nay, I think it a question whether I shall have her, for all that.
    1745Prospero
    'Sblood, thou shalt have her, by this light thou shalt.
    Lorenzo Jr.
    Nay, do not swear.
    Prospero
    By Saint Mark, thou shalt have her. I'll go fetch her presently. Point but where to meet, and, by this hand, I'll bring her.
    Lorenzo Jr.
    Hold, hold. What, all policy dead? No prevention of mischiefs stirring?
    1750Prospero
    Why, by -- what shall I swear by? Thou shalt have her, by my soul.
    Lorenzo Jr.
    I pray thee, have patience. I am satisfied. Prospero, omit no offered occasion that may make my desires complete, I beseech thee.
    Prospero
    I warrant thee.
    Exeunt.