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Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 04 of 10

SCENE X.

Reading edition

Enter Duke, and Gentlemen.

1 Gent. Believe Sir, 'tis as possible to do it, As to remove the City; the main faction Swarm th[r]ough the streets like hornets, arm'd with angers Able to ruine States: no safety left us, Nor means to dye like men, if instantly You draw not back again. Duke. May he be drawn And quarter'd too, that turns now; were I surer Of death than thou art of thy fears, and with death More than those fears are too. 1 Gent. Sir, I fear not. Du. I would not crack my vow, start from my honour, Because I may find danger; wound my soul, To keep my body safe. 1 Gent. I speak not Sir, Out of a baseness to you. Du. No, nor do not Out of a baseness leave me: what is danger, More than the weakness of our apprehensions? A poor cold part o'th' bloud? who takes it hold of? Cowards, and wicked livers: valiant minds Were made the Masters of it: and as hearty Sea-men In desperate storms, stem with a little Rudder The tumbling ruines of the Ocean: So with their cause and swords do they do dangers. Say we were sure to dye all in this venture, As I am confident against it: is there any Amongst us of so fat a sense, so pamper'd, Would chuse luxuriously to lye a bed, And purge away his spirit, send his soul out In Sugar-sops, and Syrups? Give me dying As dying ought to be, upon mine enemy, Parting with man-kind, by a man that's manly: Let 'em be all the world, and bring along Cain's envy with 'em, I will on. 2 Gent. You may Sir, But with what safety? 1 Gent. Since 'tis come to dying, You shall perceive Sir, here be those amongst us Can dye as decently as other men, And with as little ceremony: on brave Sir. Duke. That's spoken heartily. 1 Gent. And he that flinches, May he dye lowzie in a ditch. Duke. No more dying, There's no such danger in it: What's a clock? 3 Gent. Somewhat above your hour. Duke. Away then quickly, Make no noise, and no tr[o]uble will attend us. [Exeunt.

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