= Gifford points out that the punning
allusion
of
_foul_ to _fowl_ is a play upon the word dottrel.
Ben Jonson - The Devil's Association
If
any one come for water, say the pipe's cut off; or to borrow a
pot, knife, pestle and mortar, or the like, say they were stole
last night! But harke ye! I charge ye not to open the door to
give them an answer, but whisper't through the keyhole! For, I
tell you again, I wilt have nobody come into my house while I'm
abroad! No; no living soul! Nay, though Good Fortune herself
knock at a door, don't let her in!'
=2. 2. 1 I haue no singular seruice=, etc. I. e., This is
the sort of thing I must become accustomed to, if I am to
remain on earth.
=2. 2. 49, 50 Though they take Master Fitz-dottrell, I am no
such foule.
= Gifford points out that the punning
allusion
of
_foul_ to _fowl_ is a play upon the word dottrel.
'The dotterel
(Fuller tells us) is avis ??????????? a mirth-making bird,
so ridiculously mimical, that he is easily caught, or rather
catcheth himself by his over-active imitation. As the fowler
stretcheth forth his arms and legs, stalking towards the bird,
so the bird extendeth his legs and wings, approaching the fowler
till he is surprised in the net.'--G.
