The Little French Lawyer, page 29 by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
<< Return to Title Details & Download30
> From one so excellent in all that's noble, Whose only weakness is excess of courage? That knows no enemies, that he cannot master, But his affections, and in them, the worst His love to me.
Cham. To you?
Lam. Yes, Sir, to me, I dare (for what is that which Innocence dares not) To you profess it: and he shun'd not the Combat For fear or doubt of these: blush and repent, That you in thought e're did that wrong to valour.
Beaup. Why, this is rare.
Cham. 'Fore heaven, exceeding rare; Why modest Lady, you that sing such Encomiums Of your first Suiter--
Verd. How can ye convince us In your reports?
Lam. With what you cannot answer, 'Twas my command that staid him.
Cham. Your command?
Lam. Mine, Sir, and had my will rank'd with my power, And his obedience, I could have sent him With more ease, weaponless to you, and bound, Than have kept him back, so well he loves his honour Beyond his life.
Cham. Better, and better still.
Lam. I wrought with him in private to divert him From your assur'd destruction, had he met you.
Cham. In private?
Lam. Yes, and us'd all Arts, all Charms Of one that knew her self the absolute Mistris Of all his faculties.
Cham. Gave all rewards too His service could deserve; did not he take The measure of my sheets?
Lam. Do not look yellow, I have cause to speak; frowns cannot fright me, By all my hopes, as I am spotless to you, If I rest once assur'd you do but doubt me, Or curb me of that freedom you once gave me--
Cham. What then?
Lam. I'le not alone abuse your bed, that's nothing, But to your more vexation, 'tis resolv'd on, I'le run away, and then try if Dinant Have courage to defend me.
Champ. Impudent!
Verd. And on the sudden--
Beau. How are ye tr