University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Enter Francisco, led by Robin.
Fran.
Oh, I am grip'd!—the working jalap runs
Like thoro'-go-nimble thro' my twisted guts!

Robin.
How fierce his fever is!

Fran.
Oh, what a change of torments I endure!
A red-hot goose runs hissing thro' my bowels;
Oh, for a peck of cucumbers to cool it!
'Tis Death's bare bodkin! Give—give me a chair,
And cover me all over, for I freeze;
My teeth chatter, and my knees knock together!

Robin.
Have mercy, Heaven!

Fran.
And now I burn again!
A Tailor's hell!—The war grows wondrous hot!
See! see the Flints! Isaacos too! I know him
By his ragged coat, and unmow'd beard. Avaunt!
I'll throw a cabbage at his head! With that
Last blow I've brought him down. Oh, for
A fire as big as at the Bedford-Arms!
The shop-board moves! the needles dance cross-leg'd!
The thread's entangled!—Oh, cabbage, cucumbers!
Cab—cab—bage—bage—Oh!

[Dies.
Rob.
There fell the pride and glory of all Tailors!
[Beckons on two Servants.
Bear him off.

[As they prepare to carry him, he starts up.
Fran.
No; I won't trouble you; I'll walk off.

Rob.
Then, take the chair off.

[Exeunt.