_Ant._ Consider what I have suffered for thy sake already, and make me
some amends; two disappointments in a night: O cruel creature!
_Mor._ And you may thank yourself for both. I came eagerly to the
charge before my time, through the back-walk behind the arbour; and
you, like a fresh-water soldier, stood guarding the pass before. If
you missed the enemy, you may thank your own dulness.
_Ant._ Nay, if you will be using stratagems, you shall give me leave
to make use of my advantages, now I have you in my power: we are
fairly met; I'll try it out, and give no quarter.
_Mor._ By your favour, sir, we meet upon treaty now, and not upon
defiance.
_Ant._ If that be all, you shall have _carte blanche_ immediately; for
I long to be ratifying.
_Mor._ No; now I think on't, you are already entered into articles
with my enemy Johayma:--"Any thing to serve you, madam; I shall refuse
no drudgery:"--Whose words were those, gentleman? was that like a
cavalier of honour?
_Ant._ Not very heroic; but self-preservation is a point above honour
and religion too. Antonio was a rogue, I must confess; but you must
give me leave to love him.
_Mor._ To beg your life so basely, and to present your sword to your
enemy; Oh, recreant!
_Ant._ If I had died honourably, my fame indeed would have sounded
loud, but I should never have heard the blast:--Come, don't make
yourself worse-natured than you are; to save my life, you would be
content I should promise any thing.
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