Volume Iv Part 82 (2/2)

_Tim._ Ay, ay, if he had writ--

_Well._ I see you're all base Cowards, and here cas.h.i.+er ye from all Commands and Offices.

_Whim._ Look ye, Colonel, you may do what you please, but you lose one of the best dress'd Officers in your whole Camp, Sir.

_Tim._ And in me, such a Head-piece.

_Whiff._ I'll say nothing, but let the State want me.

_Dull._ For my part I am weary of weighty Affairs.

[In this while _Well._ _Down._ _Friend._ and _Haz._ talk.

_Well._ Command what Men you please, but Expedition makes you half a Conqueror.

[Ex. _Friend._ and _Haz._

Enter another _Seaman_ with a Letter, gives it to _Downright_, he and _Wellman_ read it.

_Down._ Look ye now, Gentlemen, the Master has writ.

_Dull._ Has he--he might have writ sooner, while I was in Command,--if he had--

_Whim._ Ay, Major--if he had--but let them miss us.

_Well._ Colonel, haste with your Men, and reinforce the Beach, while I follow with the Horse;--Mr. _Dunce_, pray let that Proclamation be read concerning _Bacon_, to the Soldiers.

[Ex. _Down._ and _Well._

_Dun._ It shall be done, Sir. Gentlemen, how simply you look now.

_The Scene opens and discovers a Body of Soldiers._

_Tim._ Why, Mr. Parson, I have a scruple of Conscience upon me, I am considering whether it be lawful to kill, though it be in War; I have a great aversion to't, and hope it proceeds from Religion.

_Whiff._ I remember the Fit took you just so when the _Dutch_ besieged us, for you cou'd not then be persuaded to strike a stroke.

_Tim._ Ay, that was because they were Protestants as we are; but, Gads zoors, had they been _Dutch_ Papists I had maul'd them: but Conscience--

_Whim._ I have been a Justice of Peace this six Years, and never had a Conscience in my Life.

_Tim._ Nor I neither, but in this d.a.m.n'd thing of fighting.

_Dun._ Gentlemen, I am commanded to read the Declaration of the honourable Council to you.

[To the Soldiers.

_All._ Hum, hum, hum--

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