Volpone

In Ben Jonson's comedy Volpone, he writes in the prologue, "Here is rhyme not empty of reason. in all his poems still hath been measure, to mix profit with your pleasure," which goes along with The Defense of Poesy and could sum of the life and work of every poet. They write for their voices to be heard, to leave a legacy and make an impact on the world, to sometimes make a fortune, and "to teach and delight."

This comedy is about greedy people and how low they will go to be the benefactor of Volpone's fortune, hoping he will die at the hands of his illness sooner rather than later. They bring him gifts, including a married woman named Celia to tempt him into signing over his fortune. Volpone is onto their schemes and describes this encounter as "The vulture's gone, and the old raven's come."

There are a lot of references to Greek and the Romans. Mosca says "Let's die like Romans, Since we have lived like Grecians." Volpone says, "But angry Cupid, bolting from her eyes, Hath shot himself into me like a flame," about his lust for Corvino's wife Celia. Corvino and Mosca send her into to entice Volpone, using her female persuasion, while Mosca places Bonaro to watch from the background. Celia would rather "take down poison" than be dragged into their schemes. When Volpone tries to rape Celia, Bonaro jumps out and says "Lady, let's quit the place. It is the den of villainy." It certainly seems that way.