If this grave matron be your mother, sir, stand by her, et digito compesce labellum; I may perhaps spring a wife for you anon. Brother Bartholomew, I am sadly sorry to see you so lightly given, and such a disciple of enormity, with your grave governor Humphrey: but stand you both there, in the middle place; I will reprehend you in your course. Mistress Grace, let me rescue you out of the hands of the stranger. (WINW: Pardon me, sir, I am a kinsman of hers.) Are you so! of what name, sir? (WINW: Winwife, sir.) Master Winwife! I hope you have won no wife of her, sir; if you have, I will examine the possibility of it, at fit leisure. Now, to my enormities: look upon me, O London! and see me, O Smithfield! the example of justice, and Mirrour of Magistrates; the true top of formality, and scourge of enormity. Hearken unto my labours, and but observe my discoveries; and compare Hercules with me, if thou dar'st, of old; or Columbus, Magellan, or our countryman Drake, of later times. Stand forth, you weeds of enormity, and spread. First, Rabbi Busy, thou superlunatical hypocrite;-- (to Leatherhead.) Next thou other extremity, thou profane professor of puppetry, little better than poetry:-- (to Whit.) Then thou strong debaucher and seducer of youth; witness this easy and honest young man, (pointing to Edgworth.) -- (to Knockem.) Now, thou esquire of dames, madams, and twelve-penny ladies.--Now, my green madam herself of the price; let me unmask your ladyship. [ (Discovers Mrs. Littlewit.)

Over Monologue from Bartholomew Fair

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