University of Virginia Library

Scena IX.

Enter by him Irato and Audax quarreling.
Ir.
What, you that Office? know your turn; give place
First to your betters. You be General?

Au.
Yes I. And know, that whilst I hold a Sword
To prove my worth, the Sun beholds none better.
Neither your Lordship nor Controwlership
Can dastard me.

Ir.
But I shall teach you distance.

Au.
Make me draw back one inch, and gain this place,
Then thou gain'st That. Be calmer good Irato.

Ir.
Unwing the Lightning, stop Araxes floods,
Then mayest thou stop my wrath, and guard thy selfe
Against my stroke.

Mal.
Hold, hold; what means this Fury?
May I be Umpire in your difference?

Au.
Know it you may; this feirce and haughty Lord
Crosses my aime, and stands Competitour
For what he understands not, to be General.

Ir.
Not understand? give way Malevolo.

Au.
You may be fit to quarrel in a Tavern,
But not to lead an Army.

Ir.
Give me scope;
Unlesse thou wouldst be broach'd on the same blade,
And coupled plung in Styx; open the way.

Mal.
Why would you seek this Office?

Ir.
Cause I scorn
That any man should be prefer'd before me.

Mal.
And why would you?

Au.
Because I can do service;
And would gain honour, equal unto His.

Mal.
There's yet no Army levi'd, there's no cause,
But doubtful Rumour.

Au.
When there is, Ile lead it.

Mal.
Yes, both alike; while you contend for shadows,
Liveby will bear the substance from you both.
Rid him, then you may talk.

Au.
What sayes Irato?

Ir.
Agreed.

Mal.
Then you shall take him now in th' Evening,
Comming from Intellectus: there's his haunt,—
(Ex. Ir. & Au.
Now try your fury on a third; for I
Stanch'd not this combat out of love, but hate,
To turn them hot, and mad, on Liveby's blood;
That done, meet seas again; I'le be no Isthmus;
But spur their heat, and clap them on the shoulder.
For I my selfe first rais'd this bruite of war,
For fuel of some new commotion;
Which luckily takes fire betwixt these two.