SCENE I.[1713

[_Enter_] VOLPONE.

_Volp._ Well, I am here, and all this brunt is past. I ne’er was in dislike with my disguise Till this fled moment: here ’t was good, in private; But in your public,—_cave_ whilst I breathe. 4 ’Fore God, my left leg ’gan to have the cramp, And I apprehended straight some power had struck me With a dead palsy. Well! I must be merry, And shake it off. A many of these fears Would put me into some villanous disease, Should they come thick upon me: I ’ll prevent ’em. 10 Give me a bowl of lusty wine, to fright This humour from my heart. (_Drinks._) Hum, hum, hum! ’T is almost gone already; I shall conquer. Any device now of rare ingenious knavery, 14 That would possess me with a violent laughter, Would make me up again. (_Drinks again._) So, so, so, so! This heat is life; ’t is blood by this time:—Mosca!