Beaumont & Fletchers Works (2 of 10) – the Humourous Lieutenant. Beaumont Francis

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      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. 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.

      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?

      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 other men by beds and bathes have ease,

      And easie rules of Physick; set him in a danger,

      A danger, that's a fearfull one indeed,

      Ye rock him, and he will so play about ye,

      Let it be ten to one he ne'er comes off again,

      Ye have his heart: and then he works it bravely,

      And throughly bravely: not a pang remembre'd:

      I have seen him do such things, belief would shrink at.