The hectors, or, The false challenge a comedy written in the year MDCLV, the scene, London.

SCENE I.

Enter Lagul and Lovewit.

Lag.

I Run him through the arme.

Lov.

Who, I pray Sir?

Lag.

The Gentleman I was talking of that I fought with.

Lov.

Cry Mercy, I had almost forgot— You were indeed a little interrupted in your story.

Lag.

I, did you ever see so rude absurd a fellow, to make such a businesse before Ladies? But that you protected him, Madam.—

Lov.

We have told him of his fault, Sir.

Lag.

Had not I been more knowing in my punctilio's, we might have been the Town talk for this month.

Lov.

He doth begin to see his Error.

Lag.

He shall else: Is his name Knowel, say you? And doth he lodg in Chancery-lane?

Lov.

I think I heard him say so.

Lag.

Stay, to morrow I must meet at Maribone Park.

Lov.

What do you mean? the Gentleman hath sent you your Sword, and by me doth crave your pardon, which I did oblige my self to get.

Lag.

This is as base as before he was uncivil; what doth he take me for a foot-boy, or a Porter, that I should put up an affront so? No (Madam) my Honour and Reputation is engaged; I am a Gentleman, and must have the satisfaction of a Gentleman.

Lov.

Nay, I pray Mr. Lagul.

Lag.

O God (Madam) Honour is the life and soul of a Gentleman,

it gives him being, it is the very heart and vital heat that makes him act and move, and can no more endure a wound.— But (Madam) I must take my leave of you, for I have engaged to meet at the Horne Taverne at three a clock, and now I think it is somewhat past.

Lov.

Are you going thither? You may then do me a small courtesie.

Lag.

Madam, I do esteem my self incomparably felicitous that my stars are so benigne as to make me capable of doing you any ser∣vice.

Lov.

Sir, I had best to let you rest in that opinion until I have an opportunity to requite you.

Lag.

Madam, I am your most eternal Bond-slave to do whatsoever you shall please to imperate.

Lov.

I am (Sir) so much the more engaged.

Lag.

Upon my Reputation (Madam) I do not conceive so.—

Lov.

So now he hath done.

Aside.

Lag.

But (Madam) what is that you would have me do?

Lov.

You say (Sir) you are going to the Horn Tavern,— there is a Gentleman there, one Mr. Welbred.

Lag.

He that invited us last night?

Lov.

The very same

Lag.

He hath not affronted her, I hope, she would not have me fight with him.

Aside.

Lov.

Only (Sir) there was a Letter I brought out of the Country for him, I quite forgot to give it him the last night; but if you please to do me the favour to deliver it.—

Lag.

I am glad it is no more.—

Aside.

'Tis my ambition (Madam) to be subservient to you.— But where is my Sword?

Lov.

If you please to walk in (Sir) you shall have it.

Exeunt.