We'll right ourselves, and by strong hand defend

What we are now possess'd of.[125]

In a lower key of manly dignity is the speech of Charalois before the Judges in The Fatal Dowry. It begins thus:

Thus low my duty

Answers your lordships' counsel. I will use,

In the few words with which I am to trouble

Your lordships' ears the temper that you wish me;

Not that I fear to speak my thoughts as loud,

And with a liberty beyond Romont;

But that I know, for me that am made up