University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

A chamber in the house of Col. Mercer. Norman Maurice and Catesby discovered.
Catesby.
The challenge comes from Blasinghame. This gives us
Advantages, which we should rightly use,
'Gainst one so old in practice.

Maurice.
We shall use them:—
The weapon for example. Mine's the small sword.

Catesby.
The small sword! Blasinghame expects the pistol.

Maurice.
We have the right in this and other matters;—
I waive the rest; but this we must insist on.
'Twas still my fancy, upward from my boyhood,
That, next to lance and spear, the proper weapon
For honorable combat is the sword;—
Admitting grace of movement and decision,
Allowing still discretion to the champion,—
Obeying all the changes of his temper,
And, as the enemy betrayed his purpose,
Giving him power to spare or slay at pleasure,
Or simply to draw blood and to disarm.

Catesby.
You've learn'd to use the weapon!

Maurice.
But a little!
Some confidence, at least, in eye and motion,
Grew from my youthful practice; and a passage,
With the bright rapiers flashing in the sunlight,
Was ever such a pleasure to my spirit,
That I am half content to risk the duel,
For the excitement of the keen dispute!
'Tis long since I have exercised, but nature
Hath so endow'd me, that a play acquired,
I never yet have lost. 'Tis fortunate,
That I have made provision for this practice,
And have with me two reeds of Milan steel,
In all respects so equal, that a swordsman
Would linger long to choose.—But here comes Savage!

Enter Savage.
Savage.
Save you, gentlemen.

Maurice.
Your hand, sir. We are ready:
We know your business. Here is Captain Catesby,
Who will discuss with you the needful matters.

Catesby.
Our policy demands the immediate issue,
Lest friends or officers should interpose.
Within the hour,—or, at the least, by sunset,
This meeting should be had.

Savage.
You cannot have it
Too soon for Blasinghame. You know the man!
Well! what the weapon?

Catesby.
We shall choose the small sword.

Savage.
The small sword! Why—'tis not the usual weapon.

Maurice.
As much as any other. France and Poland—
Indeed, most countries of the continent,
Where'er society allows the duel,—
Employ it—

Catesby.
And, you know, in Louisiana?—

Savage.
The pistol's the more equal.

Catesby.
Were Blasinghame,
Or Maurice, feeble, and the other strong,
That were, perhaps, an argument, but—

Maurice.
And, if the question's courage, Major Savage,
As I am told your friend is pleased to make it,
Somewhat at my expense, then, let me tell you,
Cold steel will better try the manly bosom,
Than any decent distance with the pop-gun.
If I remember, Colonel Blasinghame
Hath served in the army, worn the soldier's weapon,
And will not scruple at its use in season.

Savage.
Your words decide it:
You have the right—the small sword be it then.

Maurice,
[giving swords.]
Here are two noble weapons—better never
Play'd in the spiral and conflicting circle,
Above the head whose life was made the forfeit
In the delirious conflict. Take them with you;
Your friend can choose from them, or note the measure
Of that which I employ.

Savage.
At sunset, then.

Catesby.
The place?—

Maurice.
If you will suffer me—there is,
By Baynton's meadow, a sweet bit of copse,
East of it, through which runs an Indian trail:—
It leads us to a patch of open lawn,
Level, and smooth, and grassy—a fit place
For one to fight, or sleep on!

Savage.
Be it there, then.
And now I leave you, gentlemen: an hour
Remains for preparation ere we meet!
[Exit Savage.

Catesby.
You are the coolest person—for a person
That never was in combat. You will kill him!

Maurice.
Not if I'm cool enough! I fain would spare him,
Now, that I see him not. But when before me,
And I behold in him the insulting tyrant,
That robs the feeble and defies the strong
I feel a passionate anger in my heart,
That makes me long to trample him to dust!

Catesby.
What more, but seek the surgeon and the carriage!

Maurice.
I'm ready when you please.

Catesby.
Within the hour!
[Exit Catesby.

Maurice.
My poor Clarice! she sits beside the window,
And with a vacant spirit still looks forth,
Unthinking, yet still dreaming that I come.
What a long night to both—and that to-morrow!
Well! it will chide her tears, and soothe my sorrow.

[Scene closes.