Volume Iv Part 73 (1/2)

_Chris._ I do not think he will be forc'd, not even by _Friendly_.

_Friend._ And, faith, it goes against my Conscience to lift my Sword against him, for he is truly brave, and what he has done, a Service to the Country, had it but been by Authority.

_Chris._ What pity 'tis there should be such false Maxims in the World, that n.o.ble Actions, however great, must be criminal for want of a Law to authorise 'em.

_Friend._ Indeed 'tis pity that when Laws are faulty they should not be mended or abolish'd.

_Ran._ Hark ye, _Charles_, by Heaven, if you kill my _Daring_ I'll pistol you.

_Friend._ No, Widow, I'll spare him for your sake.

[They join with _Surelove_.

_Haz._ Oh, she's all divine, and all the Breath she utters serves but to blow my Flame.

Enter _Maid_.

_Maid._ Madam, Dinner's on the Table--

_Sure._ Please you, Sir, to walk in--come, Mr. _Friendly_.

[She takes _Hazard_.

_Ran._ Prithee, good Wench, bring in the Punch-Bowl.

[Exeunt.

ACT II.

SCENE I. A Pavilion.

Discovers the _Indian King_ and _Queen_ sitting in State, with Guards of _Indians_, Men and Women attending: To them _Bacon_ richly dress'd, attended by _Daring_, _Fearless_ and other Officers; he bows to the _King_ and _Queen_, who rise to receive him_.

_King._ I am sorry, Sir, we meet upon these Terms, we who so often have embrac'd as Friends.

_Bac._ How charming is the Queen! [Aside.] War, Sir, is not my Business nor my Pleasure: Nor was I bred in Arms, my Country's Good has forc'd me to a.s.sume a Soldier's Life; and 'tis with much regret that I employ the first Effects of it against my Friends: yet whilst I may--whilst this Cessation lasts, I beg we may exchange those Friends.h.i.+ps, Sir, we have so often paid in happier Peace.

_King._ For your part, Sir, you've been so n.o.ble, that I repent the fatal Difference that makes us meet in Arms. Yet though I'm young, I'm sensible of Injuries; and oft have heard my Grandsire say, That we were Monarchs once of all this s.p.a.cious World, till you, an unknown People, landing here, distress'd and ruin'd by destructive Storms, abusing all our charitable Hospitality, usurp'd our Right, and made your Friends your Slaves.

_Bac._ I will not justify the Ingrat.i.tude of my Forefathers, but finding here my Inheritance, I am resolv'd still to maintain it so, and by my Sword which first cut out my Portion, defend each Inch of Land, with my last drop of Blood.

_Queen._ Even his Threats have Charms that please the Heart.

[Aside.

_King._ Come, Sir, let this ungrateful Theme alone, which is better disputed in the Field.

_Queen._ Is it impossible there might be wrought an understanding betwixt my Lord and you? 'Twas to that end I first desired this Truce, my self proposing to be Mediator, to which my Lord _Cavernio_ shall agree, could you but condescend--I know you are n.o.ble: And I have heard you say our tender s.e.x could never plead in vain.

_Bac._ Alas! I dare not trust your pleading, Madam: a few soft Words from such a charming Mouth would make me lay the Conqueror at your Feet, as a Sacrifice for all the Ills he has done you.

_Queen._ How strangely am I pleas'd to hear him talk. [Aside.