ER. (_After a brief silence_). I have no desire to boast, but I was a soldier before I was a courtier. I served fourteen years, and I think I may fairly refrain from such a step with propriety, not fearing that the refusal of my sword can be imputed to cowardice. A duel puts one in an awkward light, and our King is not the mere shadow of a monarch. He knows how to make the highest in the state obey him, and I think that he acts like a wise Prince. When he needs my service, I have courage enough to perform it; but I have none to displease him. His commands are a supreme law to me; seek some one else to disobey him. I speak to you, Viscount, with entire frankness; in every other matter I am at your service. Farewell. [Footnote: During his long reign, Louis XIV. tried to put a stop to duelling; and, though he did not wholly succeed, he prevented the seconds from participating in the fight,--a custom very general before his rule, and to which Éraste alludes in saying that he does not "fear that the refusal of his (my) sword can be imputed to cowardice."] SCENE XI.--ÉRASTE, LA MONTAGNE. ER. To the deuce with these bores, fifty times over! Where, now, has my beloved gone to? LA M. I know not. ER. Go and search everywhere till you find her. I shall await you in this walk. BALLET TO ACT I. _First Entry_. Players at Mall, crying out "Ware!" compel Éraste to draw back. After the players at Mall have finished, Éraste returns to wait for Orphise. _Second Entry_. Inquisitive folk advance, turning round him to see who he is, and cause him again to retire for a little while. * * * * * ACT II. SCENE I.--ÉRASTE, _alone_. Are the bores gone at last? I think they rain here on every side. The more I flee from them, the more I light on them; and to add to my uneasiness, I cannot find her whom I wish to find. The thunder and rain have soon passed over, and have not dispersed the fashionable company. Would to Heaven that those gifts which it showered upon us, had driven away all the people who weary me! The sun sinks fast; I am surprised that my servant has not yet returned. SCENE II.--ALCIPPE, ÉRASTE. ALC. Good day to you. ER. (_Aside_). How now! Is my passion always to be turned aside?