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Geof. Ah! would I were, would I were young again, To fight beneath your standard, noble gen'ral! Methinks what I have done were but a jest, Ay, but a jest to what I now should do, Were I again the man that I have been. O! I could fight!

Bas.And wouldst thou fight for me?

Geof. Ay, to the death!

Bas. Then come brave man, and be my champion still; The sight of thee will fire my soldiers' breasts. Come, noble vet'ran, thou shalt fight for me. [ with Geoffry.

Fred. What does be mean to do?

Ros.We'll know ere long.

Fred. Our gen'ral bears it with a careless face For one so wise.

Ros.A careless face! on what?

Fred. Now feign not ignorance, we know it all. News which have spread in whispers from the court, Since last night's messenger arriv'd from Milan.

Ros. As I'm an honest man I know it not!

Fred. 'Tis said the rival armies are so near, A battle must immediately ensue.

Ros. It cannot be. Our gen'ral knows it not. The Duke is of our side, an ally sworn, And had such messenger to Mantua come, He would have been appriz'd upon the instant. It cannot be, it is some idle tale.

Fred. So may it prove till we have join'd them too,