The Little French Lawyer Part 13

_Cler._ But if your Lords.h.i.+p mark it, no great matter.

_Vert._ I have known such a wrangling Advocate, Such a little figent thing; Oh I remember him, A notable talking Knave, now out upon him, Has challeng'd me downright, defied me mortally I do remember too, I cast his Causes.

_Cler._ Why, there's the quarrel, Sir, the mortal quarrel.

_Vert._ Why, what a Knave is this? as y'are a Gentleman, Is there no further purpose but meer mirth?

What a bold Man of War! he invites me roundly.

_Cler._ If there should be, I were no Gentleman, Nor worthy of the honour of my Kindred.

And though I am sure your Lords.h.i.+p hates my Person, Which Time may bring again into your favour, Yet for the manners--

_Vert._ I am satisfied, You see, Sir, I have out-liv'd those days of fighting, And therefore cannot do him the honour to beat him my self; But I have a Kinsman much of his ability, His Wit and Courage, for this call him Fool, One that will spit as senseless fire as this Fellow.

_Cler._ And such a man to undertake, my Lord?

_Vert._ Nay he's too forward; these two pitch Barrels together.

_Cler._ Upon my soul, no harm.

_Vert._ It makes me smile, Why, what a stinking smother will they utter!

Yes, he shall undertake, Sir, as my Champion, Since you propound it mirth, I'll venture on it, And shall defend my cause, but as y'are honest Sport not with bloud.

_Cler._ Think not so basely, good Sir.

_Vert._ A Squire shall wait upon you from my Kinsman, To morrow morning make you sport at full, You want no Subject; but no wounds.

_Cler._ That's my care.

_Ver._ And so good day. [_Ex._ Vertaign, _and Gentlemen_.

_Cler._ Many unto your honour.

This is a n.o.ble Fellow, of a sweet Spirit, Now must I think how to contrive this matter, For together they shall go.

_Enter_ Dinant.

_Din._ O _Cleremont_, I am glad I have found thee.

_Cler._ I can tell thee rare things.

_Din._ O, I can tell thee rarer, Dost thou love me?

_Cler._ Love thee?

_Din._ Dost thou love me dearly?

Dar'st thou for my sake?

_Cler._ Any thing that's honest.

_Din._ Though it be dangerous?

_Cler._ Pox o' dangerous.

_Din._ Nay wondrous dangerous.

_Cler._ Wilt thou break my heart?

_Din._ Along with me then.

_Cler._ I must part to morrow.

_Din._ You shall, you shall, be faithful for this night, And thou hast made thy friend.

_Cler._ Away, and talk not. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Lamira, _and Nurse_.

_Lam._ O Nurse, welcome, where's _Dinant_?

_Nurse._ He's at my back.

'Tis the most liberal Gentleman, this Gold He gave me for my pains, nor can I blame you, If you yield up the fort.

_Lam._ How? yield it up?

_Nurse._ I know not, he that loves, and gives so largely, And a young Lord to boot, or I am cozen'd, May enter every where.

_Lam._ Thou'lt make me angry.

_Enter_ Dinant, _and_ Cleremont.

_Nur._ Why, if you are, I hope here's one will please you, Look on him with my Eyes, good luck go with you: Were I young for your sake--

_Din._ I thank thee, Nurse.

_Nur._ I would be tractable, and as I am--

_Lam._ Leave the room, So old, and so immodest! and be careful, Since whispers will 'wake sleeping jealousies, That none disturb my Lord. [_Exit Nurse._

_Cler._ Will you dispatch?

Till you come to the matter be not rapt thus, Walk in, walk in, I am your scout for once, You owe me the like service.

_Din._ And will pay it.

_Lam._ As you respect our lives, speak not so loud.

_Cler._ Why, do it in dumb shew then, I am silenc'd.

_Lam._ Be not so hasty, Sir, the golden Apples Had a fell Dragon for their Guard, your pleasures Are to be attempted with _Herculean_ danger, Or never to be gotten.

_Din._ Speak the means.