University of Virginia Library

Scena I.

Enter Memor and Sr. Timerous.
Mem.
I think your cause exceeds the Cognisance
Of common sense. He like a Juryman
Can onely finde and judge the outward fact:
As whether now your kicks look white or blew;
Whether his threatning words were high or low;
What savour follow'd, whether sweet or sowre;
Whether the kicks were Rough or gentle; (Rough
Your Crinkling sayes) These with some other notions
Thereto belonging, as the quantity,
The Figure, Number, the swift motion,
Or ceasing of your kicks; these he can judge of.
But as for higher speculations
Of Passions rising out of meer conceit,
How it was rais'd, what punishment is due,
This proper I bye longs to Fancie's audience.
Was there no cause?

Tim.
None giv'n, but apprehended.

Mem.
The worse for you; this shewes there was no malice,
But single heat. Were the kicks thick and many?

Tim.
Six strong ones in one instant.

Mem.
Still the worse.
It shewes meer heat. What said he, 'twas his humour?

Tim.
Ev'n so.

Mem.
Yet worse. Tis Law, that ev'ry Passion
May follow his own humour. Anger's his.
Besides he's writ a Lord: all things considered,
I give you counsel to be patient,
To ask if he be pleas'd to give you more;
To break a Tooth, pull Haire, strik out an Eye.

Tim.
Accept my thankes: I see the Law it selfe
Is very Timerous against great Persons.—
(Ex. Tim.

Mem.
I now can see no use of Law at all,
Law is casheer'd: where all things are permitted
What need of plea? what can be call'd unjust?
And are not these the Popular dayes we look'd for,
When we expected Cunning should be Soveraigne?