The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 03Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 03
Dryden, John
English drama -- 17th century
_Sir Mart._ What the devil would you have a man do, when my hand is in!
Well, o'my conscience, I think there is a fate upon me.
[_Noise within._
_Mill._ Look, Rose, what's the matter.
_Rose._ 'Tis Sir John Swallow pursued by the bailiffs, madam, according
to our plot; it seems they have dogged him thus late to his lodging.
_Mill._ That's well; for though I begin not to love this fool, yet I am
glad I shall be rid of him.
[_Exeunt_ MILL. _and_ ROSE.
_Enter_ SIR JOHN, _pursued by three Bailiffs over the stage_.
_Sir Mart._ Now I'll redeem all again; my mistress shall see my valour,
I'm resolved on't. Villains, rogues, poltroons! What? three upon one? In
fine, I'll be with you immediately.
[_Exit._
_Warn._ Why, sir, are you stark mad? have you no grain of sense left?
He's gone! now is he as earnest in the quarrel as Cokes among the
puppets; 'tis to no purpose whatever I do for him.
[_Exit_ WARNER.
_Enter_ SIR JOHN _and_ SIR MARTIN (_having driven away the Bailiffs_);
SIR MARTIN _flourishes his sword_.
Sir Mart. _Victoria! Victoria!_ What heart, Sir John? you have received
no harm, I hope?
_Sir John._ Not the least; I thank you, sir, for your timely assistance,
which I will requite with any thing, but the resigning of my mistress.
Dear Sir Martin, a goodnight.
_Sir Mart._ Pray let me wait upon you in, Sir John.
_Sir John._ I can find my way to Mrs Millisent without you, sir, I thank
you.
_Sir Mart._ But pray, what were you to be arrested for?
_Sir John._ I know no more than you; some little debts perhaps I left
unpaid by my negligence: Once more, good night, sir.
[_Exit._
_Sir Mart._ He's an ungrateful fellow; and so, in fine, I shall tell him
when I see him next--Monsieur----
_Enter_ WARNER.
Warner, _a propos_! I hope you'll applaud me now. I have defeated the
enemy, and that in sight of my mistress; boy, I have charmed her,
i'faith, with my valour.
_Warn._ Ay, just as much as you did e'en now with your music; go, you
are so beastly a fool, that a chiding is thrown away upon you.
_Sir Mart._ Fool in your face, sir; call a man of honour fool, when I
have just achieved such an enterprise--Gad, now my blood's up, I am a
dangerous person, I can tell you that, Warner.
_Warn._ Poor animal, I pity thee!
_Sir Mart._ I grant I am no musician, but you must allow me for a
swordsman: I have beat them bravely; and, in fine, I am come off unhurt,
save only a little scratch in the head.
_Warn._ That's impossible; thou hast a skull so thick, no sword can
pierce it; but much good may it do you, sir, with the fruits of your
valour: You rescued your rival, when he was to be arrested, on purpose
to take him off from your mistress.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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