University of Virginia Library

SCEN. IV.

Enter Catesby, Forrest, Lieutenant and Soldiers.
Catesby.
The King has made you his great Confident;
And now your Fortune may your Hopes prevent.
When you receive the Sign, strike quick, and sure.

Forrest.
Give but the Word, and think the Deed secure.
The little Worm, call'd Conscience, wants a sting:
Hell may be feign'd; I'm certain of the King.
And, since his mind is known, what need we stay.
For tedious Orders?

Catesby.
Hold; you must obey
The Rules prescrib'd; and watchfully attend,
Till I your Orders from the Army send.
[Exit Catesby.

Leiutenant.
Good Master Captain, teach your old Cam'rade
The fine new knack to be a Captain made.
None, by your Worship's leave, could ever see.
Your bashful Valour face an Enemie.

Forrest.
My Courage by the King is known and try'd.

Lieutenant.
Kings may know more then all the World beside.
You can shew Bruises of your Tavern-Wars;
And turn the Ale-wifes Scratches into Scars.

Forrest.
Lieutenant, you will halt in your Career,
When Neck, and Heels shall feel your Officer.
Were it not for the bus'ness now in hand—

Lieutenant.
You would do much! I should not idle stand.
Go, go, complain; that I may be cashier'd;
I'd rather starve, then be thus Officer'd.

Forrest.
Stand.

[The Princess in Charlot's attire crosseth the Stage with her Handkercher before her Eyes, as if she were weeping.]
Lieutenant.
'Tis the Lady's Page.

Forrest.
Then let him pass.
Poor Rogue! he shortly will be turn'd to Grass.

Lieutenant.
Must all the Princess Family disband?

Forrest.
When the Tree falls, how can the Ivy stand?
A noise of Swords in the Princess Lodgings.
Swords in the Princess lodgings! quickly go,
And see how matters pass.

Lieutenant.
You must come too:
When danger calls, you send your Messenger.
A Pox on those, that cannot hide their fear!

[He thrusts Forrest in before him.