When Ben Jonson dedicated Volpone 'To the Most Noble and Most Eqvall Sisters the Two Famovs Vniversities,' he offered to the scholars a play packed with learning. The most obviously erudite section, of course, is the entertainment of Nano, Androgyno, and Castrone. An equally curious bit of lore is placed in III.VIII, as Volpone, attempting the virtue of the faithful Celia, exclaims
I am, now, as fresh,
As hot, as high, and in as iouiall plight,
As when (in that so celebrated scene,
At recitation of our comoedie,
For entertainment of the great VALOYS)
I acted yong ANTINOVS; and attracted
The eyes, and eares of all the ladies, present,
T'admire each gracefull gesture, note, and footing.
(III.vii.157-164)