 | Marciano ; or, The Discovery |  |
Scæna Sexta.
Enter Leonardo, Becabunga.Leon.
Can you desire any more? look you, Sir, a direct challenge.
Bec.
I know not what belongs to your challenges;
but I am sure, as you say, he has affronted me.
Leon.
Sir, the very words of this challenge would encourage
one; considering especially, that he is the basest coward that ever
breath'd for all this.
Bec.
Think you so?
Leon.
Yes indeed, Sir, I warrand you he dare never appear in
field against you: he is but a bragging fellow.
Bec.
Nay, if I thought he would not appear, I might say something.
Leon.
Trust me, Sir, he dares not.
Bec.
I, but d'you hear, Sir, if we can be handsomly reconciled,
what needs fighting?
Leon.
Fy, Sir, you cannot honourably refuse, when he has writ
a challenge to you.
Not, Sir, why cannot I write another to him, and call
him a coward, a rascal, a slave, a villain, and what not, and still preserve
my honour, as you call it?
Leon.
Alas! good Sir, there's no time now to talk, now you
must fight, and I will assist you.
Bec.
I, if you will hold him to me while I beat him, there may
be something on't too.
Leon.
Doubt not, Sir; but, as I told you, he dares not appear:
you have no more to do, but come arm'd to the fields, and if you
find him not, brandish your Rapier in the air thrice, proclaim him
a coward, and so return.
Bec.
With my honour, Sir?
Leon.
Yes, Sir, with your honour entire.
Bec.
(aside.)
Well, I see I must fight; but if he doth not appear
now, I shall be in a brave condition: for, then I will swear,
rant and domineer, by my word of honour, as my fathers
foot-groom does. But will he not come, think you?
Leon.
My life for't, he dares not appear; courage, we will outdare
both him and Cassio.
Bec.
Well, but when all's done, Sir, betwixt you and me, were
I at home in the Country again, all your honour, and honour above
honour, should not cause me fight: for, Pantaloni has learn'd to
fence, Sir, and I know not what belongs to fencing, not I.
Leon.
Tush, fear not him, I tell you, he dares not appear, and if
he does, I'l fight him my self.
Bec.
Will you do so, Sir, and I will be your tres humble serviteur
Monsieur: for, d'you see, Sir, I am to be married shortly,
now if I should chance to be kill'd, (as who knowes but I may)
you know then, Sir, I cannot be marryed; why? because I shall
be dead, that's a good reason, Sir.
Leon.
(aside.)
Plague on him for a coward, how he talks; I shall
have more ado to allure him to this duel, then a crack'd
Courtier has to perswade an Usurer to become surety for
him.
Bec.
And then you know, Sir, Pantaloni is to marry the one
Sister, and I the other: now it is not fit that we should fight together,
who are to be brethren shortly, for I know not what.
Leon.
Why, Sir, you must resolve to fight: go along with me
and save you both.
Bec.
Will you be as good as your word, Sir?
Leon.
I will
indeed.
Bec.
Then have at him—But harke you, Sir, you must
have a special care he touch not my face, for so he may put
but my eye (God blesse us) and then where is your honour
forsooth?
Leon.
He shall not touch you Sir, come, delay is dangerous.
Exeunt.
At the other end Enter Cass. Pant. traverse &c.
Pant.
You may stand by, and see fair play, Sir, I shall beat
him to some purpose:
Cass.
As you think fit, Sir.
Pant.
Come on then—O Becabunga! thou knowes not how
nigh thy fatall hour approaches—for I am sure he dares not appear.
Exeunt.
| Marciano ; or, The Discovery | |