VAL. I never felt a day pass more slowly; the sun seems to have forgotten himself; he has yet such a course to run before he reaches his bed, that I believe he will never accomplish it; his slow motion drives me mad. MASC. What an eagerness to go in the dark, to grope about for some ugly adventure! You see that Lucile is obstinate in her repulses.... VAL. A truce to these idle remonstrances. Though I were sure to meet a hundred deaths lying in ambush, yet I feel her wrath so greatly, that I shall either appease it, or end my fate. I am resolved on that. MASC. I approve of your design; but it is unfortunate, sir, that we must get in secretly. VAL. Very well. MASC. And I am afraid I shall only be in the way. VAL. How so? MASC. I have a cough which nearly kills me, and the noise it makes may betray you. Every moment... (_He coughs_). You see what a punishment it is. VAL. You will get better; take some liquorice. MASC. I do not think, sir, it will get better. I should be delighted to go with you, but I should be very sorry if any misfortune should befall my dear master through me. SCENE III.--VALÈRE, LA RAPIÈRE, MASCARILLE. LA RA. Sir, I have just now heard from good authority that Éraste is greatly enraged against you, and that Albert talks also of breaking all the bones in Mascarille's body, on his daughter's account. MASC. I? I have nothing to do with all this confusion. What have I done to have all the bones in my body broken? Am I the guardian of the virginity of all the girls in the town, that I am to be thus threatened? Have I any influence with temptation? Can I help it, I, poor fellow, if I have a mind to try it? VAL. Oh! they are not so dangerous as they pretend to be; however courageous love may have made Éraste, he will not have so easy a bargain with us. LA RA. If you should have any need for it, my arm is entirely at your service. You know me to be at all times staunch. [Footnote: It is thought the introduction of Mons. de la Rapière contains an allusion to the poor noblemen of Languedoc, who formerly made a kind of living by being seconds at duels, and whom the Prince de Conti compelled to obey the edicts of Louis XIV. against duelling. _The Love-tiff_ was first played in 1656 at Béziers, where the States of Languedoc were assembled.] VAL. I am much obliged to you, M. de la Rapière. LA RA. I have likewise two friends I can procure, who will draw against all comers, and upon whom you may safely rely. MASC. Accept their services, sir. VAL. You are too kind. LA RA. Little Giles might also have assisted us, if a sad accident had not taken him from us. Oh, sir, it is a great pity! He was such a handy fellow, too! You know the trick justice played him; he died like a hero; when the executioner broke him on the wheel, he made his exit without uttering a word. VAL. M. de la Rapière, such a man ought to be lamented, but, as for your escort, I thank you, I want them not.