Thus has this lady made me her friend and confident, and put herself, in a kind, under my protection. I cannot tell him immediately the purport of her letter, except I could cure him of the violent and untractable passion of jealousy, and so serve him, and her, by disobeying her, in the article of secrecy, more than I should by complying with her directions.--But then this duelling, which custom has imposed upon every man who would live with reputation and honour in the world--how must I preserve myself from imputations there? He'll, forsooth, call it or think it fear, if I explain without fighting.--But his letter--I'll read it again-- "SIR, "You have used me basely in corresponding and carrying on a treaty where you told me you were indifferent. I have changed my sword since I saw you; which advertisement I thought proper to send you against the next meeting between you and the injured "CHARLES MYRTLE." _Enter_ TOM. _Tom._ Mr. Myrtle, sir. Would your honour please to see him? _Bev._ Why, you stupid creature! Let Mr. Myrtle wait at my lodgings! Show him up. [_Exit_ TOM.] Well! I am resolved upon my carriage to him. He is in love, and in every circumstance of life a little distrustful, which I must allow for--but here he is. _Enter_ TOM, _introducing_ MYRTLE. Sir, I am extremely obliged to you for this honour.--[_To_ TOM.] But, sir, you, with your very discerning face, leave the room. [_Exit_ TOM.]--Well, Mr. Myrtle, your commands with me? _Myrt._ The time, the place, our long acquaintance, and many other circumstances which affect me on this occasion, oblige me, without farther ceremony or conference, to desire you would not only, as you already have, acknowledge the receipt of my letter, but also comply with the request in it. I must have farther notice taken of my message than these half lines--"I have yours," "I shall be at home." _Bev._ Sir, I own I have received a letter from you in a very unusual style; but as I design everything in this matter shall be your own action, your own seeking, I shall understand nothing but what you are pleased to confirm face to face, and I have already forgot the contents of your epistle. _Myrt._ This cool manner is very agreeable to the abuse you have already made of my simplicity and frankness; and I see your moderation tends to your own advantage and not mine--to your own safety, not consideration of your friend. _Bev._ My own safety, Mr. Myrtle? _Myrt._ Your own safety, Mr. Bevil. _Bev._ Look you, Mr. Myrtle, there's no disguising that I understand what you would be at; but, sir, you know I have often dared to disapprove of the decisions a tyrant custom has introduced, to the breach of all laws, both divine and human. _Myrt._ Mr. Bevil, Mr. Bevil, it would be a good first principle, in those who have so tender a conscience that way, to have as much abhorrence of doing injuries, as---- _Bev._ As what? _Myrt._ As fear of answering for 'em.