Passages from this character's speech that contain the most distinguishing words for Cluster 23 (rogues, crochet, shakbag, kicked, doister, tidle…). Matches are highlighted.
Prenticeship or twain, and I should know. But, by what name so ever you call it, here will be a Masque, and shall be a Masque, when you and the rest of your Comrogues shall fit disguised in the stocks. Who you? you a Masque? why you stink Like so ma nigh bloat-herrings newly taken out of the chimney! In the name of Ignorance,
Full speech
Whither? whither now gamesters? what is the business? the affair? stop I beseech you. Hey-da! what's this? A hogshead of beer broke out of the Kings buttery, ro some Dutch Hulk! whither are you bound? The wind is against you, you must back; do you know where you are? Sir, I may do it by my place, and I must question you farther. Hey-da! what Hans Flutter kin is this? what Dutchman doe's built or frame Castles in the Air? Sir, I know as little as any man in the place; speak, what is your business? I am and Officer, Groom of the Revels, that is my place. How sir? Disguise! what mean you by that? do you think that his Majesty sits here to expect drunkards? A man of account sir! I cry you mercy. Cattle! what cattle doe's she mean? That is pretty; but are you sure you have sufficient Bears for the purpose. To be whipped with your Bears? Well, I could be willing to venture a good word in behalf of the Game, if I were assured the afore said game would be cleanly, and not fright the Ladies. Well, let them come; if you needs one, I'll help you my self. Excellent! The Bears have done learnedly, and sweetly. But where will he place his glasses? Good sir put him toot, bid him do something that is impossi ble; he will undertake it I warrant you. Nay, good sir be not angry. I would try him, but what has all this to do with our Mask? There is no such word in the Office now I assure you sir, I have served here, man, and boy a Prenticeship or twain, and I should know. But, by what name so ever you call it, here will be a Masque, and shall be a Masque, when you and the rest of your Comrogues shall fit disguised in the stocks. Who you? you a Masque? why you stink Like so ma nigh bloat-herrings newly taken out of the chimney! In the name of Ignorance, whence came you? or what are you? you have been hanged in the smoke sufficiently, that is smelled out already.
Plot summary
Plot — The Gypsies Metamorphosed
A troop of gypsies arrive with children and stolen meat, and proceed to read the palms and tell the fortunes of the King, the Prince, and various members of the aristocratic audience. Some rustics turn up, attracted by the sound of the Gypsies’ dancing. They decide to have a dance themselves with their wenches, and collect money to pay the musicians. The Gypsies steal their purses and other possessions, but then return the items to their pockets by legerdemain. The rustics are interested in the Gypsies’ place of origin, Devil’s Arse, and ask where the name came from. A song is sung by way of an answer, telling of how the first captain of the Gypsies, Cock-Lorel, entertained the Devil to a banquet, with numerous different varieties of human flesh on the menu; the Devil blew the feast away with a fart and so gave the place its name. The Gypsies are metamorphosed into white-skinned lords, and praise the King. C-Text After the Cock-Lorel song, the rustics are seized with the desire to become Gypsies themselves, and the Patrico tells them what a long process their initiation would be.