Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/80

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''Cit. to Officer.'' This is old Geoffry of the tenth brigade.

Offi. I knew him not: you should have told me sooner. [, looking much ashamed.

Cit. Hark, this is musick of a warlike kind.

To Sec. Cit. What sounds are these, good friend, which this way bear?

Sec. Cit. The Count of Basil is upon his march, To join the Emp'rour with some chosen troops, And doth through Mantua pass in right of Allies.

Geof. I have heard a good report of this young soldier.

Sec. Cit. 'Tis said he disciplines his men severely, And acts with them too much the old commander, Which is ungracious in so young a man.

Geof. I know he loves not ease and revelry; He makes them soldiers at no dearer rate Than he himself hath paid. What, dost thou think That e'en the very meanest simple craft May not, but with due diligence, be learn'd, And yet the noble art of soldiership May be attain'd by loit'ring in the sun? Some men are born to feast, and not to fight; Whose sluggish minds, e'en in fair honour's field, Still on their dinner turn— Let such pot-boiling varlets stay at home, And wield a flesh-hook rather than a sword. In times of easy service, true it is.