The Little French Lawyer: A Comedy. Beaumont Francis

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 Chastity, 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 lust?

       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 batchellors 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 noble, 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 passions, 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 noble 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 Ladiships cheerfull looks I well perceive

      That this night the good Lord hath been

      At an unusual service, and no wonder

      If