The 'smale' Ribible, which Absolon, the parish clerk in
Chaucer, used to play 'songes' on, is supposed to be the same
instrument; and finally, James 'Soundpost,' which wants no explaining.
The final remark of Musician 2 is delicious, 'tarry for the mourners,
and stay dinner.'
_Rom._ IV, v, 96. After Juliet's apparent death.
_Exeunt Capulet, Lady C., Paris, etc._
_1 Musician._ 'Faith, we may _put up our pipes_, and be gone.
_Nurse._ Honest good fellows, ah! _put up, put up_;
For well you know, this is a pitiful _case_.
_1 Mus._ Ay, by my troth, the _case_ may be amended.
(See _H. 5._ III, ii, 42, about Bardolph and the lute case.)
_Enter Peter._
_Peter._ Musicians, O, musicians! "Heart's ease, Heart's
ease": O! an you will have me live, play "Heart's ease."
_1 Mus._ Why "Heart's ease?"
_Peter._ O, musicians, because my _heart itself_ plays--"My
heart is full of woe." O! play me some _merry dump_, to
comfort me.
_2 Mus._ Not a _dump_ we: 'tis no time to play now.
* * * * *
_Peter._ Then will I lay the serving creature's dagger on
your pate. I will carry no _crotchets_: I'll _re_ you, I'll
_fa_ you. Do you _note_ me?
_1. Mus._ An you _re_ us, and _fa_ us, you _note_ US.
_2. Mus._ Pray you, put up your dagger, and put out your
wit.
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