Monologue

Song Monologue from Every Man in His Humour

From Every Man in His Humour by Ben Jonson

male · joyful · 2:07 min

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And did you not hear of a jolly young waterman, Who at Blackfriars-bridge used for to ply; And he feather’d his oars with such skill and dexterity, Winning each heart and delighting each eye: He looked so neat, and rowed so steadily, The maidens all flocked in his boat so readily, And he eyed the young rogues with so charming an air, That this waterman ne’er was in want of a fare. What sights of fine folks he oft row’d in his wherry! ’Twas clean’d out so nice, and so painted withal; He was always first oars when the fine city ladies, In a party to Ranelagh went, or Vauxhall: And oftentimes would they be giggling and leering, But ’twas all one to Tom, their gibing and jeering, For loving, or liking, he little did care, For this waterman ne’er was in want of a fare. And yet, but to see how strangely things happen, As he row’d along, thinking of nothing at all, He was plied by a damsel so lovely and charming, That she smiled, and so straightway in love he did fall; And, would this young damsel but banish his sorrow, He’d wed her to-night before to-morrow: And how should this waterman ever know care, When he’s married and never in want of a fare? Tom Tug wins Dogget’s coat and badge under the eyes of his mistress, who sits with her friends to see the rowing-match from an inn window overlooking the river; and, with the prize, he wins her heart.

About this piece

The monologue depicts a charming young waterman who captures the hearts of maidens with his rowing skills, ultimately falling in love with a damsel who inspires him to consider marriage.

20s · joy · love · identity · fate · freedom

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