Beaumont Fletchers Works, vol 2 | Page 4

and command then, And be as fortunate, as I expect ye: I love that noble will; your young companions Bred up and foster'd with ye, I hope Demetrius, You will make souldiers too: they must not leave ye.
Enter Leontius.
2 Gent. Never till life leave us, Sir.
Ant. O Leontius, Here's work for you in hand.
Leon. I am ev'n right glad, Sir. For by my troth, I am now grown old with idleness; I hear we shall abroad, Sir.
Ant. Yes, and presently, But who think you commands now?
Leon. Who commands, Sir? Methinks mine eye should guide me: can there be (If you your self will spare him so much honour) Any found out to lead before your Armies, So full of faith, and fire, as brave Demetrius? King Philips Son, at his years was an old Souldier, 'Tis time his Fortune be o' wing, high time, Sir, So many idle hours, as here he loyters, So many ever-living names he loses, I hope 'tis he.
Ant. 'Tis he indeed, and nobly He shall set forward: draw you all those Garrisons Upon the frontiers as you pass: to those Joyn these in pay at home, our ancient souldiers, And as you go press all the Provinces.
Leo. We shall not [need]; Believe, this hopefull Gentleman Can want no swords, nor honest hearts to follow him, We shall be full, no fear Sir.
Ant. You Leontius, Because you are an old and faithfull servant, And know the wars, with all his vantages, Be near to his instructions, lest his youth Lose valours best companion, staid discretion, Shew where to lead, to lodge, to charge with safetie; In execution not to break, nor scatter, But with a provident anger, follow nobly: Not covetous of blood, and death, but honour, Be ever near his watches; cheer his labours, And where his hope stands fair, provoke his valour; Love him, and think it no dishonour (my Demetrius) To wear this Jewel near thee; he is a tri'd one, And one that even in spight of time, that sunk him, And frosted up his strength, will yet stand by thee, And with the proudest of thine Enemies Exchange for bloud, and bravely: take his Counsel.
Leo. Your grace hath made me young again, and wanton.
Ant. She must be known and suddenly: Do ye know her? [to Minippus.
Gent. Char. No, believe Sir.
Ant. Did you observe her, Timon?
Tim. I look'd on her, But what she is--
Ant. I must have that found. Come in and take your leave.
Tim. And some few Prayers along.
Dem. I know my duty, [Exit Ant. You shall be half my Father.
Leo. All your Servant: Come Gentlemen, you are resolv'd I am sure To see these wars.
1 Gent. We dare not leave his fortunes, Though most assur'd death hung round about us.
Leo..= That bargain's yet to make; Be not too hasty, when ye face the Enemie, Nor too ambitious to get honour instantly, But charge within your bounds, and keep close bodies, And you shall see what sport we'l make these mad-caps; You shall have game enough, I warrant ye, Every mans Cock shall fight.
Dem. I must go see Sir: Brave Sir, as soon as I have taken leave, I'le meet you in the park; Draw the men thither, Wait you upon Leontius.
Gen. We'l attend Sir.
Leo. But I beseech your Grace, with speed; the sooner We are i'th' field.--
Dem. You could not please me better. [Exit.
Leo. You never saw the wars yet?
Gent. Not yet Colonel.
Leo. These foolish Mistresses do so hang about ye, So whimper, and so hug, I know it Gentlemen, And so intice ye, now ye are i'th' bud; And that sweet tilting war, with eyes and kisses, Th' alarms of soft vows, and sighs, and fiddle faddles, Spoils all our trade: you must forget these knick knacks, A woman at some time of year, I grant ye She is necessarie; but make no business of her. How now Lieutenant?
Enter Lieutenant.
Lieu. Oh Sir, as ill as ever; We shall have wars they say; they are mustring yonder: Would we were at it once: fie, how it plagues me.
Leo. Here's one has served now under Captain Cupid, And crackt a Pike in's youth: you see what's come on't.
Lieu. No, my disease will never prove so honourable.
Leo. Why sure, thou hast the best pox.
Lieu. If I have 'em, I am sure I got 'em in the best company; They are pox of thirty Coats.
Leo. Thou hast mewed 'em finely: Here's a strange fellow now, and a brave fellow, If we may say so of a pocky fellow, (Which I believe we may) this poor Lieutenant; Whether he have the scratches, or the scabs, Or what a Devil it be, I'le say this for him, There fights no braver souldier under Sun, Gentlemen; Show him an Enemie, his pain's forgot straight; And where