Note D — AUBREY'S 'BRIEF LIVES'
Reading edition
An anecdote of Ben Jonson (possibly from some Book of Jests) is communicated to me by Professor York Powell as still current in Oxford in oral tradition:—
'One day as Ben Jonson was working at his first trade a fine lady passed and greeted him—
"A line and a trowel Guide many a fool: Good morning, Ben!" —"In silk and scarlet Walks many a harlot: Good morning, Madam!"
answered the poet.'