Over monologue (Act 5) — Bartholomew Fair: A Comedy

Master Winwife! I hope you have won no wife of her, sir; if you have, I will examine the possibility of it, at fit leisure. Now, to my enormities: look upon me, O London! and see me, O Smithfield! the example of justice, and Mirrour of Magistrates; the true top of formality, and scourge of enormity. Hearken unto my labours, and but observe my discoveries; and compare Hercules with me, if thou dar'st, of old; or Columbus, Magellan, or our countryman Drake, of later times. Stand forth, you weeds of enormity, and spread. First, Rabbi Busy, thou superlunatical hypocrite;--[_to Leatherhead._] Next thou other extremity, thou profane professor of puppetry, little better than poetry:--[_to Whit._] Then thou strong debaucher and seducer of youth; witness this easy and honest young man, [_pointing to Edgworth._]--[_to Knockem._] Now, thou esquire of dames, madams, and twelve-penny ladies.--Now, my green madam herself of the price; let me unmask your ladyship.