Rufus the Courtier at the theater,
Leaving the best and most conspicuous place,
Doth either to the stage[10] himselfe transferre,
Or through a grate[11] doth shew his double[12] face:
For that the clamorous fry of Innes of Court,
Fills up the priuate roomes of greater price:
And such a place where all may haue resort,
He in his singularity doth dispise.
Yet doth not his particular humour shun
The common stews and brothells of the towne,
Though all the world in troops doe hither[13] run,
Cleane and uncleane, the gentle and the clowne:
Then why should Rufus in his pride abhorre,
A common seate, that loues a common whore.
[Footnote 10: See Note on Epigram 28. G.]
[Footnote 11: Malone has cited this passage (Shakespeare by Boswell
iii. 81) and, if he explains it rightly, the allusion is to one of the
two boxes (sometimes called _private boxes_) which were situated on
each side of the balcony or upper stage. D.]
[Footnote 12: Other editions (as the Isham) 'doubtfull.' G.]
[Footnote 13: Other editions (as the Isham) 'thither.' G.]