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

SCENE V.

Enter Hadland.

Had.

What have I done? For they say he is like to dye. He was too (as I have since heard) a very accomplished man; Nay, certain∣ly I was much deceived in him, for his carriage had much of spirit in it, and a Gentleman.—

Well, little did I think I should ever have been compelled unto these kind of courses; and nothing doth more vex me, then that I am fain to consort my self with such unworthy things, which I should abhor, did not my fortunes, broken by these late Wars, force me to make them the instruments of my subsistance,— One of them though I would be now glad to light on, if I could tell where.— But yonder I think he comes.

Enter Caster.

Why, how now Caster? Where hast thou been? For I have been looking for thee almost all over the Town, I think.

Cast.

All over the Town! You might have chanc'd to have look'd beyond China and Iapan, and not have found me.

Well,— I thank God I am here now, but I was like to have been further then ever Drake was, by this time.

Had.

Why, Prethee, where?

Cast.

Where? Why, in that Terra incognita, the other world.

Had.

The other world! What wouldst thou have done there? they do not there play at dice: or if they do, old Nick, I doubt, would go nigh to be the better Cheat.—

But what was the matter?

Cast.

Why, I met with the dreadful blade.—

Had.

Whom do you mean?

Cast.

Whom should I mean? the terrible Squire La-gul.

Had.

He has not spoiled all now, I hope.—

Aside.

Well, and what then?

Cast.

What then! He drew, and came upon me like any lightning, but my discreet and timely submission, together with the coming of some company, did a little asswage his fury.

Had.

Did you submit unto him, say you?

Cast.

What should I do else?

Had.

If I did not think so —

I could now kick thee, could I but afford to take the pains.—

Thou hast spoiled all that we have been plotting of this fortnight, when we had just brought it to perf••ction.

Cast.

You would have had me (I'll warrant) have been such an Ass, as to have fought and ventured my life.

•• Had.

Fought! Thou needst not so much as have made a mouth, rowned, or put thy self into a fighting posture.

Cast.

What should I have done then unto such a son of Thun∣der?

Had.

A son of Thunder! a more arrant Coward then thy selfe, if possible.

Cast.

Did not you tell me he was another kind of man?

Had.

I did indeed in jest to fright you a little, but we this night were to have had Two hundred pounds of him to have made you his friend.

Cast.

Well, this it is, when you will put me on things that are out of my Element; I could have been a Cheat this seven years, and have done well enough.

Had.

Well, I have a businesse for you to do, which if you will do handsomely, you will redeem my opinion.

Cast.

Is it to fight?

Had.

No.

Cast.

Then I'll warrant you.

Exeunt.

The end of the fourth Act.