Carr [with enthusiasm.
The stones of Zion to the Lord are dear.
Rochester.Well said!
Carr. If God lay not His hand on me,
Like as one dumb I open not my mouth.
'Tis you to whom my ear will always list,
For heavenly manna in your speech abounds!
[To Lord Ormond.
Tell me—methought you were of diverse minds—
What text evoked your sacred controversy?
Rochester.A moment since?—It was about a verse—
[Aside.] Egad! what if my quatrain pleasure him!
E'en now he listens with unequalled zest
To what I say! What poet, in good sooth,
Could see an ear ope so wide, and not
Throw verses in? I'll risk the madrigal,
Let come what may! First let us give him wine.
It is well known that when the glasses clink
Our sternest Puritans sometimes unbend.
[Aloud.] You should be thirsty, sir?
Carr. Nay! not athirst
Nor hungry! I eat ashes, friend, like bread.
Rochester [aside.]If so he dines, then he may eat alone.
No matter!
[Aloud.] Landlord! boy!
[A waiter appears.] Bring muscadine,
Wine, hippocras!
You asked—much thanks!—what
We were discussing here a moment since.
