Question

Lock up my doors, and when you hear the drum
And the vile squealing of the wry-necked fife,
Clamber not you up to the casements then,
Nor thrust your head into the public street
To gaze on Christian fools with varnished faces.
But stop my house’s ears—I mean my casements—
Let not the sound of shallow foppery enter
My sober house. By Jacob’s staff, I swear,
I have no mind of feasting forth tonight.
1. Who is the speaker of above lines? To whom is he giving his advice? Why should the doors be locked? [3]
2. Where is the speaker going?What reason does he give for his going out?Who was Jacob? [3]
3. Give the meaning of: (a) Clamber not you up to the casements.
(b) sound of shallow foppery. [3]

4. Who are the ‘Christian fools with varnished faces’? What were they planning against the speaker? [3]
5. Summarise the advice of the speaker in your own words? [4]

Answer 1

Answer:

Hear you me, Jessica: Lock up my doors, and when you hear the drum. And the vile squealing of the wry-neck'd fife, Clamber not you up to the casements then, Not thrust your head into the public street, ... clamber not you up to the casements