The Works of John Dryden | Page 9

Jun. Your countrymen have tried that course so often, methinks they should grow wiser, and desist: But now there is no need of troubling any others but ourselves; the sum of all is this, you either must resign me Isabinda, or instantly resolve to clear your title to her by your sword.
Tow. I will do neither now.
Har. Jun. Then I'll believe you dare not fight me fairly.
Tow. You know I durst have fought, though I am not vain enough to boast it, nor would upbraid you with remembrance of it.
Har. Jun. You destroy your benefit with rehearsal of it; but that was in a ship, backed by your men; single duel is a fairer trial of your courage.
Tow. I'm not to be provoked out of my temper: Here I am a public person, entrusted by my king and my employers, and should I kill you, Harman--
Har. Jun. Oh never think you can, sir.
Tow. I should betray my countrymen to suffer, not only worse indignities than those they have already borne, but, for aught I know, might give them up to general imprisonment, perhaps betray them to a massacre.
Har. Jun. These are but pitiful and weak excuses; I'll force you to confess you dare not fight; you shall have provocations.
Tow. I will not stay to take them. Only this before I go; if you are truly gallant, insult not where you have power, but keep your quarrel secret; we may have time and place out of this island: Meanwhile, I go to marry Isabinda, that you shall see I dare.--No more, follow me not an inch beyond this place, no not an inch. Adieu. [Exit TOWERSON.
Har. Jun. Thou goest to thy grave, or I to mine.
[Is going after him.
Enter FISCAL.
Fisc. Whither so fast, mynheer?
Har. Jun. After that English dog, whom I believe you saw.
Fisc. Whom, Towerson?
Har. Jun. Yes, let me go, I'll have his blood.
Fisc. Let me advise you first; you young men are so violently hot.
Har. Jun. I say I'll have his blood.
Fisc. To have his blood is not amiss, so far I go with you; but take me with you further for the means: First, what's the injury?
Har. Jun. Not to detain you with a tedious story, I love his mistress, courted her, was slighted; into the heat of this he came; I offered him the best advantages he could or to himself propose, or to his nation, would he quit her love.
Fisc. So far you are prudent, for she is exceeding rich.
Har. Jun. He refused all; then I threatened him with my father's power.
Fisc. That was unwisely done; your father, underhand, may do a mischief, but it is too gross aboveboard.
Har. Jun. At last, nought else prevailing, I defied him to single duel; this he refused, and I believe it was fear.
Fisc. No, no, mistake him not, it is a stout whoreson. You did ill to press him, it will not sound well in Europe; he being here a public minister, having no means of 'scaping should he kill you, besides exposing all his countrymen to a revenge.
Har. Jun. That's all one; I'm resolved I will pursue my course, and fight him.
Fisc. Pursue your end, that's to enjoy the woman and her wealth; I would, like you, have Towerson despatched,--for, as I am a true Dutchman, I do hate him,--but I would convey him smoothly out of the world, and without noise; they will say we are ungrateful else in England, and barbarously cruel; now I could swallow down the thing ingratitude and the thing murder, but the names are odious.
Har. Jun. What would you have me do then?
Fisc. Let him enjoy his love a little while, it will break no squares in the long run of a man's life; you shall have enough of her, and in convenient time.
Har. Jun. I cannot bear he should enjoy her first; no, it is determined; I will kill him bravely.
Fisc. Ay, a right young man's bravery, that's folly: Let me alone, something I'll put in practice, to rid you of this rival ere he marries, without your once appearing in it.
Har. Jun. If I durst trust you now?
Fisc. If you believe that I have wit, or love you.
Har. Jun. Well, sir, you have prevailed; be speedy, for once I will rely on you. Farewell. [Exit HARMAN.
Fisc. This hopeful business will be quickly spoiled, if I not take exceeding care of it.--Stay,--Towerson to be killed, and privately, that must be laid down as the groundwork, for stronger reasons than a young man's passion; but who shall do it? No Englishman will, and much I fear, no Dutchman dares attempt it.
Enter PEREZ.
Well said, in faith, old Devil! Let thee alone, when once a man is plotting villany, to find him a fit instrument. This Spanish captain, who commands our slaves, is bold