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132 FRANCIS BACON'S CRYPTIC RHYMES
together with the contents of the Essay, nothing more
nor less than : Poetic Truth ranks higher than Naked
Truth, which offends us, and of all poetic truths, that
which we see represented at the theatre is the best.
But this poetic comparison
is conceived in poetic
form, for it is written in the most mellifluous verses.
This all the more when we consider, that in all pro
bability we have here before us another vexing-rhyme
such as we so often met with in Bacon and in
the Shakespeare Plays. Both the Germans and the
English speak of the quality of a diamond breaking
the light, as "its play of colours" (der Stein hat
ein schemes Spiel, spielt schon). Now, if we substitute
for the final expression " that sheweth best in varied
"
lights the most natural word
" that sheweth best in
play," we have not only found the final rhyme clear
and unadulterated, but we at once have the word
" unveiled," that Bacon bore in mind, for "play" also
signifies " acting performance on the theatre stage."
Poetic truth shews best in play ; the truth which
Bacon has in mind and to which he here sings a
discreet song of praise, celebrates ;her greatest
triumphs when illuminated by stage-lights.
With the slight alteration as suggested above, the
verses expressing that idea would run thus :
Truth may perhaps come to the price
of a Pearle, that sheweth best by day :
But it will not rise, to the price of a Diamond, or Carbuncle
(Carbun&'/')
that sheweth best in play.
Or if we bring out the principal internal rhymes and
change them to final rhymes :