76 THE NEW SCIENCE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE 



periments he added extravagant claims of achievements. He comes 

 here near to the quarrel between the moderns and the ancients 

 that was fought out a little later. Sir Nicholas seems to have far 

 outstripped all the ancient and modern scientists; in most things 

 he has reached "the Achme of Perfection". 



In the study of insects there is the most sport for the dramatist ; 

 it is the most thoroughly canvassed comic element in the play. 

 Special attention has been devoted to the ants, where the virtuoso 

 has "discovered more curious Phenomena in these Animals, than 

 in those of vaster magnitude". 32 He knows their form of govern 

 ment, "which is a kind of Commonwealth, a Republic, resembling 

 that of the States-General". Spiders have revealed to him more 

 curious "Appearances of Nature, than to any man living". 33 One 

 spider had been so well trained that he recognized his name, 

 "Nick", and followed Sir Nicholas around as a dog does its mas 

 ter. 34 He has made a thorough investigation of "the delicate Spider, 

 call'd Tarantula"; he has "travelled all over Italy, and had no 

 other Affair in the World, but to study the Secrets of that har 

 monious Insect." 



"Bruce, Did you observe the Wisdom, Policies, and Customs of 

 that ingenious People? 



Sir Nicholas, By no means. 'Tis below a Virtuoso to trouble 

 himself with Men and Manners. I study Insects". 35 



Snarl says that he cares not for this new philosophy, because 

 it consists in good-for-nothing experiments upon flies, maggots, 

 eels in vinegar, and the blue upon plums. 36 The world of minutiae 

 disclosed by the microscope meant only this to the play-writer. 



The telescope has revealed the most marvelous things in the 

 moon to the virtuoso. He has seen the mountains and valleys, seas 

 and lakes of that place; he has recognized the larger animals, such 

 as elephants and camels; he has been able to identify public build 

 ings and ships. But the half has never been told; "I have seen 

 several Battles fought there. They have great guns, and have the 



82 Ibid. 



Ibid. Act IV. 



84 Ibid. Act V. 



^The Virtuoso, Act II, sc. 1. 



* Ibid. Act IV. 



