'
Now, let us compare the following verses from the second Prologue
of _Epicoene_ (the plural here becomes the singular):--
If any yet will, with particular sleight
Of application, (Occasioned by some person's impertinent
Exceptions.)
wrest what he doth write;
And that he meant, or him, or her, will say:
They make a libel, which he made a play.
Nor will it be easy to find out who was the cause of _Volpone_ having
been persecuted at one time--that is to say, forbidden to be acted
on the stage. (Perchance by the 'obstreperous Sir Lawyer' who is
mentioned in it?)
We direct the reader's attention to the eulogistic poems composed
by Jonson's friends on _Volpone_. (_Ben Jonson_, by Cunningham, vol.
i. pp. civ.-cv.) First there are the extraordinary praises written
by those who sign their names in full:--J. DONNE, E. BOLTON, FRANCIS
BEAUMONT. Then follow verses, probably composed somewhat later,
which are cautiously signed by initials only--D. D., J. C., G. C.,
E. S., J. F., T. R. This is not the case with any other eulogistic
poems referring to Jonson's dramas. The verses before mentioned,
which are only signed by initials, all speak of a 'persecuted fox,
or of a fox killed by hounds.'
47: 'Come, my coach!' means: 'I value my honour less than my coach.'
The expression, 'O, how the wheel becomes it!' is of such a character
that we must refer the reader to Montaigne's Essay III.
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