just reflection on Mr James Soundpost's lack of words, or perhaps indicates that the pronunciation of singers even in that musical age was no better than it is now.
The improvised names of the musicians are pointed enough; Simon 'Catling,' referring to the material of his viol strings; Hugh 'Rebeck,' the rebeck being the ancient English fiddle with three strings. The 'smalé' Ribible, which Absolon, the parish clerk in Chaucer, used to play 'songés' 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. 55, 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. 32, 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." |
