DocsDoctor Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 I went to a local theatre last night, to meet up with friends for dinner and a one-man show. That was called 'Kemp's Jig' and told the true story of Will Kemp's 'Nine Days Wonder', a publicity stunt in which this comic actor (and former colleague of William Shakespeare) morris-danced all the way from London to Norwich, in 1600: It was a fun evening, and the play made good use of Kemp's original account, as I discovered when I checked that this morning. One quote along the way that I thought you, like me, would all appreciate was this one: On Monday morning I danced to Rockland ere I rested, and coming to my Inn, where the Host was a very boon companion, I desired to see him; but in no case he would be spoken with till he had shifted himself from his working day's suit. Being armed at all points, from the cap to the codpiece, his black shoes shining and made straight with copper buckles of the best, his garters in the fashion, and every garment fitting Corremsquandam (to use his own word), he enters the Hall, with his bonnet in his hand, [and] began to cry out: “O Kemp, dear Master Kemp! you are even as welcome as—as—as—,” and so stammering he began to study for a fit comparison, and, I thank him, at last he fitted me; for, sayeth he, “thou art even as welcome as the Queen's best greyhound.” Kemp wasn't particularly thrilled by this, calling it a "dogged [pun definitely intended!] yet well-meaning salutation", but Tiger and I both feel it was a very fine compliment indeed! Quote Clare with Tiger (Snapper Gar, b. 18/05/2015), and remembering Ken (Boomtown Ken, 01/05/2011-21/02/2020) and Doc (Barefoot Doctor, 20/08/2001-15/04/2015)."It is also to be noted of every species, that the handsomest of each move best ... and beasts of the most elegant form, always excel in speed; of this, the horse and greyhound are beautiful examples."----Wiliam Hogarth, The Analysis of Beauty, 1753. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Shakespeare, and apparently Kemp, had the best insults and compliments! Must be an Elizabethan thing. I would be thrilled with that comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Thank you for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerseyGrey Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Not just any greyhound, the queen’s best one! Quote Buddy Molly 🌈 5/11/10-10/10/23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 Fie and forsooth! Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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