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IN SYLLAM. XXVIII. - Christopher Marlowe, The Works of Christopher Marlowe, vol. 3 (Poems) [1598]

Edition used:

The Works of Christopher Marlowe, ed. A.H. Bullen (London: John C. Nimmo, 1885). Vol. 3.

Part of: The Works of Christopher Marlowe, 3 vols.

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IN SYLLAM. XXVIII.

  • Who dares affirm that Sylla dare not fight?
  • When I dare swear he dares adventure more
  • Than the most brave and most2 all-daring wight
  • That ever arms with resolution bore;
  • He that dare touch the most unwholesome whore
  • That ever was retir'd into the spittle,
  • And dares court wenches standing at a door
  • (The portion of his wit being passing little);
  • He that dares give his dearest friends offences,
  • Which other valiant fools do fear to do,

    10

  • And, when a fever doth confound his senses,
  • Dare eat raw beef, and drink strong wine thereto;
  • He that dares take tobacco on the stage,1
  • Dares man a whore at noon-day through the street,
  • Dares dance in Paul's, and in this formal age
  • Dares say and do whatever is unmeet;
  • Whom fear of shame could never yet affiight,
  • Who dares affirm that Sylia dares not fight?

[2]So Isham copy.—Ed. A “most brave, most all danng.”—Eds B, C “most brave and all daring.”—MS. “most valiant and all-daring.”

[1]There are frequent allusions to this practice. Cf. Induction to Cynthia's Revels — I have my three sorts of tobacco in my pocket; my light by me.”