The Little French Lawyer Part 20

_La-w._ Give me thy hand; thou art a valiant Gentleman, I say if ever we recover 'em--

_Sam._ Let's get into a house and warm our hearts.

_La-w._ There's ne're a house within this mile, beat me, Kick me and beat me as I go, and I'le beat thee too, To keep us warm; if ever we recover 'em-- Kick hard, I am frozen: so, so, now I feel it.

_Sam._ I am dull yet.

_La-w._ I'le warm thee, I'le warm thee--Gentlemen?

Rogues, Thieves, Thieves: run now I'le follow thee. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Vertaign, Champernel, Beaupre, Verdone, Lamira, Annabel, Charlote, _Nurse_.

_Verta._ Use legs, and have legs.

_Cham._ You that have legs say so, I put my one to too much stress.

_Verdo._ Your Horse, Sir, Will meet you within half a mile.

_Lam._ I like The walk so well, I should not miss my Coach, Though it were further. _Annabel_ thou art sad: What ails my Niece?

_Beau._ She's still musing, Sister, How quietly her late bed-fellow lay by her.

_Nurse._ Old as I am, he would have startled me, Nor can you blame her.

_Char._ Had I ta'ne her place, I know not, but I fear, I should ha' shreek'd, Though he had never offer'd--

_Ana._ Out upon thee, Thou wouldst have taught him.

_Char._ I think, with your pardon, That you wish now you had.

_Ana._ I am glad I yield you [_Cornet._ Such ample scope of mirth. [_Musick within._

_Verta._ Nay, be not angry, There's no ill meant: ha? Musick, and choice Musick?

_Cham._ 'Tis near us in the Grove; what courteous bounty Bestows it on us? my dancing days are done; Yet I would thank the giver, did I know him.

_Verdo._ 'Tis questionless, some one of your own Village, That hearing of your purpos'd journey thither, Prepares it for your entertainment, and The honour of my Lady.

_Lam._ I think rather, Some of your Lordships Clients.

_Beaup._ What say you Cousin, If they should prove your Suitors?

_Verd._ That's most likely.

_Nurse._ I say if you are n.o.ble, be't who will, Go presently and thank 'em: I can jump yet, Or tread a measure.

_Lam._ Like a Millers Mare.

_Nurs._ I warrant you well enough to serve the Country, I'le make one, and lead the way. [_Exit._

_Charl._ Do you note, How zealous the old Crone is?

_Lam._ And you t.i.tter As eagerly as she: come sweet, we'll follow, No ill can be intended. [_Musick ends._

_Cham._ I ne're feared yet. [_Exeunt._

SONG in the Wood.

_This way, this way come and hear, You that hold these pleasures dear, Fill your ears with our sweet sound, Whilst we melt the frozen ground: This way come, make haste oh fair, Let your clear eyes gild the Air; Come and bless us with your sight, This way, this way, seek delight._

_Enter company of Gentlemen, like Ruffians._

_1 Gent._ They are ours, but draw them on a little further From the foot-path into the neighbouring thicket, And we may do't, as safe as in a Castle.

_2 Gent._ They follow still; the President _Vertaigne_ Comes on a pace, and _Champernel_ limps after; The Women, as if they had wings, and walk't Upon the Air, fly to us.

_1 Gent._ They are welcome, We'll make 'em sport; make a stand here, all know How we are to proceed.

_2 Gent._ We are instructed. [_Still Musick within._

_1 Gent._ One strain or two more. [_Gent. off._

_Enter_ Vertaigne, Champernel, Beaupre, Verdone, Lamira, Anabel, _Nurse_, Charlote.

Excellent, they are come.

_Nurse._ We cannot miss, in such a business, yet Mine ear ne'r fail'd me. [_Musick for the Dance._

_Charl._ Would we were at it once, I do not walk, but Dance.

_1 Gent._ You shall have dancing.

Begin, and when I give the word--

_2 Gent._ No more: We are instructed. [_Dance._

_Beaupre._ But win us fairly--

_1 Gent._ O Sir, we do not come to try your valour, But to possess you, yet we use you kindly In that, like English Thieves, we kill you not, But are contented with the spoil.

_Verta._ Oh Heaven!

How hath mine age deserv'd this?

_Cham._ h.e.l.l confound it, This comes of walking; had I kept my legs, Or my good Horse, my Armour on, My Staff in my rest, and this good Sword too, friend, How I would break and scatter these.

_All Gent._ Ha, ha, ha.

_Cham._ Do you scorn me Rogues?