The Little French Lawyer Part 3

_Cler._ Why we must fight, I know it, and I long for't, It was apparent in the fiery eye Of young _Verdone_, _Beaupre_ look'd pale and shook too, Familiar signs of anger. They are both brave fellows Tri'd and approv'd, and I am proud to encounter With men, from whom no honour can be lost; They will play up to a man, and set him off.

When e're I go to the field, heaven keep me from The meeting of an unflesh'd youth or, Coward, The first, to get a name, comes on too hot, The Coward is so swift in giving ground, There is no overtaking him without A hunting Nag, well breath'd too.

_Din._ All this while, You ne'r think on the danger.

_Cler._ Why 'tis no more Than meeting of a dozen friends at Supper, And drinking hard; mischief comes there unlook'd for, I am sure as suddain, and strikes home as often, For this we are prepar'd.

_Din._ _Lamira_ Loves Her Brother _Beaupre_ dearly.

_Cler._ What of that?

_Din._ And should he call me to account for what But now I spake, nor can I with mine honour Recant my words, that little hope is left me, E're to enjoy what (next to Heaven) I long for, Is taken from me.

_Cer._ Why what can you hope for, She being now married?

_Din._ Oh my _Cleremont_, To you all secrets of my heart lye open, And I rest most secure that whatsoe're I lock up there, is as a private thought, And will no farther wrong me. I am a _French-man_, And for the greater part we are born Courtiers, She is a woman, and however yet, No heat of service had the power to melt Her frozen Chast.i.ty, time and opportunitie May work her to my ends, I confess ill ones, And yet I must pursue 'em: now her marriage, In probabilitie, will no way hurt, But rather help me.

_Cler._ Sits the wind there? pray you tell me How far off dwells your love from l.u.s.t?

_Din._ Too near, But prethee chide me not.

_Cler._ Not I, goe on boy, I have faults my self, and will not reprehend A crime I am not free from: for her Marriage, I do esteem it (and most batch.e.l.lors are Of my opinion) as a fair protection, To play the wanton without loss of honour.

_Din._ Would she make use of't so, I were most happy.

_Cler._ No more of this. Judge now, Whether I have the gift of prophecie.

_Enter_ Beaupre, _and_ Verdone.

_Beaup._ Monsieur _Dinant_, I am glad to find you, Sir.

_Din._ I am at your service.

_Verd._ Good Monsieur _Cleremont_, I have long wish'd To be known better to you.

_Cler._ My desires Embrace your wishes Sir.

_Beaup._ Sir, I have ever Esteem'd you truly n.o.ble, and profess I should have been most proud, to have had the honour To call you Brother, but my Fathers pleasure Denied that happiness. I know no man lives, That can command his pa.s.sions, and therefore Dare not condemn the late intemperate language You were pleas'd to use to my Father and my Sister, He's old and she a woman, I most sorrie My honour does compel me to entreat you, To do me the favour, with your sword to meet me A mile without the Citie.

_Din._ You much honour me.

In the demand, I'le gladly wait upon you.

_Beaup._ O Sir you teach me what to say: the time?

_Din._ With the next Sun, if you think fit.

_Beaup._ The place?

_Din._ Near to the vineyard eastward from the Citie.

_Beaup._ I like it well, this Gentleman if you please Will keep me company.

_Cler._ That is agreed on; And in my friends behalf I will attend him.

_Verd._ You shall not miss my service.

_Beaup._ Good day Gentlemen. [_Ex._ Beaup. _and_ Verd.

_Din._ At your Commandment.

_Cler._ Proud to be your servants.

I think there is no Nation under Heaven That cut their enemies throats with complement, And such fine tricks as we do: If you have Any few Prayers to say, this night you may Call 'em to mind and use 'em, for my self, As I have little to lose, my care is less, So till to morrow morning I bequeath you To your devotions; and those paid, but use That n.o.ble courage I have seen, and we Shall fight, as in a Castle.

_Din._ Thou art all honour, Thy resolution would steel a Coward, And I most fortunate in such a Friend; All tenderness and nice respect of woman Be now far from me, reputation take A full possession of my heart, and prove Honour the first place holds, the second Love. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Lamira, Charlote.

_Lami._ Sleeps my Lord still, _Charlote_?

_Char._ Not to be wak'd.

By your Ladis.h.i.+ps cheerfull looks I well perceive That this night the good Lord hath been At an unusual service, and no wonder If he rest after it.

_Lamira._ You are very bold.

_Char._ Your Creature Madam, and when you are pleas'd Sadness to me's a stranger, your good pardon If I speak like a fool, I could have wisht To have ta'ne your place to night, had bold _Dinant_ Your first and most obsequious servant tasted Those delicates, which by his lethargie As it appears, have cloy'd my Lord.

_Lamira._ No, more.

_Char._ I am silenc'd, Madam.

_Lamira._ Saw you my nurse this morning?

_Charl._ No Madam.

_Lamira._ I am full of fears. [_Knock within._ Who's that?

_Charl._ She you enquir'd for.

_Lamira._ Bring her in, and leave me. [_Exit_ Charlote.

Now nurse what news?

_Enter_ Nurse.

_Nurse._ O Ladie dreadfull ones.

They are to fight this morning, there's no remedie.

I saw my Lord your Brother, and _Verdone_ Take horse as I came by.

_Lamira._ Where's _Cleremont_?

_Nurse._ I met him too, and mounted.