Volume Iv Part 86 (2/2)

_Dull._ Disprove thee--why, that pale Face of thine, that has so much of the Coward in't.

_Tim._ Shaw, that's with loss of Blood--Hah, I am overheard I doubt--who's yonder-- [Sees _Whim._ and _Whiff_.] how, Brother _Whiff_ in a Hempen Cravat-string?

_Whim._ He call'd the General Traitor, and was running away, and I'm resolv'd to peach.

_Dull._ Hum--and one Witness will stand good in Law, in case of Treason--

_Tim._ Gads zoors, in case of Treason, he'll be hang'd if it be proved against him, were there ne'er a Witness at all; but he must be tried by a Council of War, Man--Come, come, let's disarm him-- [They take away his Arms, and pull a Bottle of Brandy out of his Pocket.

_Whiff._ What, I hope you will not take away my Brandy, Gentlemen, my last comfort.

_Tim._ Gads zoors, it's come in good time--we'll drink it off, here, Major-- [Drinks, _Whiff_ takes him aside.

_Whiff._ Hark ye, Cornet--you are my good Friend, get this matter made up before it come to the General.

_Tim._ But this is Treason, Neighbour.

_Whiff._ If I hang--I'll declare upon the Ladder how you kill'd your War-Captain.

_Tim._ Come, Brother _Whimsey_--we have been all Friends and loving Magistrates together, let's drink about, and think no more of this Business.

_Dull._ Ay, ay, if every sober Man in the Nation should be called to account of the Treason he speaks in's Drink, the Lord have mercy upon us all.--Put it up--and let us, like loving Brothers, take an honest Resolution to run away together; for this same _Frightall_ minds nothing but Fighting.

_Whim._ I'm content, provided we go all to the Council, and tell them (to make our Peace) we went in obedience to the Proclamation, to kill _Bacon_, but the Traitor was so strongly guarded we could not effect it: but mum--who's here?--

To them, enter _Ranter_ and _Jenny_, as Man and Footman.

_Ran._ Hah, our four reverend Justices--I hope the Blockheads will not know me--Gentlemen, can you direct me to Lieutenant General _Daring's_ Tents?

_Whiff._ Hum, who the Devil's this?--that's he you see coming this way.

'Sdeath, yonder's _Daring_--let's slip away before he advances.

[Exeunt all but _Ran._ and _Jen._

_Jen._ I am scar'd with those dead Bodies we have pa.s.s'd over; for G.o.d's sake, Madam, let me know your design in coming.

_Ran._ Why, now I tell thee--my d.a.m.n'd mad Fellow _Daring_, who has my Heart and Soul, loves _Chrisante_, has stolen her, and carried her away to his Tents; she hates him, while I am dying for him.

_Jem._ Dying, Madam! I never saw you melancholy.

_Ran._ Pox on't, no; why should I sigh and whine, and make my self an a.s.s, and him conceited? no, instead of snivelling I am resolved--

_Jen._ What, Madam?

_Ran._ Gad, to beat the Rascal, and bring off _Chrisante_.

_Jen._ Beat him, Madam! what, a Woman beat a Lieutenant-General?

_Ran._ Hang 'em, they get a name in War from Command, not Courage; but how know I but I may fight? Gad, I have known a Fellow kick'd from one end of the Town to t'other, believing himself a Coward; at last forced to fight, found he could; got a Reputation, and bullied all he met with; and got a Name, and a great Commission.

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