Volume Iv Part 89 (2/2)

_Tim._ I thank my Stars I am a Batchelor.--Why, what a Plague is a Wife?

_Haz._ Will you march forward?

_Dull._ We have atchiev'd Honour enough already, in having made our Campaign here-- [Looking big.

_Haz._ 'Sdeath, but you shall go--put them in the front, and p.r.i.c.k them on--if they offer to turn back, run them thro.

_Tim._ Oh, horrid-- [The Soldiers p.r.i.c.k them on with their Swords.

_Whiff._ Oh, _Nancy_, thy Dream will yet come to pa.s.s.

_Haz._ Will you advance, Sir? [p.r.i.c.ks _Whiff_.

_Whiff._ Why, so we do, Sir; the Devil's in these fighting Fellows.

[Exeunt.

An Alarm at a distance.

_Within._ To Arms, to Arms, the Enemy's upon us.

[A Noise of Fighting, after which enters _Friendly_ with his Party, retreating and fighting from _Daring_ and some Soldiers, _Ranter_ fighting like a Fury by his side, he putting her back in vain; they fight out. Re-enter _Daring_ and _Friendly_ all b.l.o.o.d.y.

Several Soldiers enter with Flambeaux.

_Dar._ Now, Sir--what Injury have I ever done you, that you should use this Treachery against me?

_Friend._ To take advantage any way in War, was never counted Treachery--and had I murder'd thee, I had not paid thee half the Debt I owe thee.

_Dar._ You bleed too much to hold too long a Parley-- come to my Tent, I'll take a charitable care of thee.

_Friend._ I scorn thy Courtesy, who against all the Laws of Honour and of Justice, hast ravish'd innocent Ladies.

_Dar._ Sir, your upbraiding of my Honour shall never make me forfeit it, or esteem you less--Is there a Lady here you have a Pa.s.sion for?

_Friend._ Yes, on a n.o.bler score than thou darest own.

_Dar._ To let you see how you're mistaken, Sir, whoe'er that Lady be whom you affect, I will resign, and give you both your Freedoms.

_Friend._ Why, for this Courtesy, which shews thee brave, in the next fight I'll save thy Life to quit the Obligation.

_Dar._ I thank you, Sir;--come to my Tent,--and when we've dress'd your Wounds, and yielded up the Ladies, I'll give you my Pa.s.s-port for your Safe-Conduct back, and tell your Friends i'th' Town, we'll visit them i'th' Morning.

_Friend._ They'll meet you on your way, Sir--

_Dar._ Come, my young Soldier, now thou'st won my Soul.

[Exeunt.

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