Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/273

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Countess. Valdemere is immeasurably fond of war and of military glory, which the tenderness of a too fearful mother has hitherto with difficulty restrained; and in your cause, charming Livia, he will be enthusiastically devoted.

Liv. I claim him then as my Knight, whene'er I stand in need of his valorous arms; though it may, perhaps, prove but a troublesome honour.

Vald. It is an honour I would purchase—aye, purchase with a thousand livesI say it, divine Livia, with a thousand lives.Life!—life!—What is it but the breath of a moment: I scorn it. (Getting up from table, and reeling about.) The enemy, did they say? Let an host of them come: this sword shall devour every mother's son of them.—I'm prepared for them all.

Bar. (aside to Dart.) He is too well prepared; we were foolish to let him drink so much.

Countess. (aside to Vald.) Be seated again, you disturb the company.

Vald. (still reeling about.) Aye, divine Livia; but the breath of a moment; I scorn it.

(An alarm without: re-enter Page, as if much frightened.)

Page. O my Lady Livia! O my master! O gentles all! a party of the enemy is coming to attack the castle, and they'll murder every soul of us.

Vald. Speak plainer, wretch; what said'st thou?