Com. The Observation, is but too true; And it is Pity the Ligislature do not contrive some Speedy Method to put an Effectual Stop to such impious Practices.
Pas. Thus, instead of Virtue, Honour and Noble Sentiments being Sown in the Minds of Youth they are tainted with Fraud and Treachery; and those, who should be the Support and Ornament of their Country, are the Confederates of Men, who would be a disgrace to the worst of Countries, in its worst of Times.
Omn. Bravo, bravo, Pasquin, go on, go on [they Applaud him]
Smart. Does he not speak very well Hydra! I think he would make a good Figure at the Robin Hood Society.
Count. Sr, You grow licentious and Attack the whole Body of Nobility. and what you have uttered is a Libell.
Pas. Sr. it is You that Libel by your Application my Charge is not against any particular Person, Degree, Rank, or Set of Men, but against known Profess’d Sharpers; Who, under the Mask of Honour, Amusement and Friendship, dayly Commit Crimes that deserve the Hangman’s lash rather than the Satyrist’s.
Mar. Gentlemen, this Invective is most unjust, and as I am Council on the Side of Count Hunt-bubble and Company, I hope you will indulge me a moment, while I explain what the Law of Parnassus is in these Cases.
Omn. Hear him, hear him, go on, go on.
Mar. In the Records of that State, the Act of Gaming is not deem’d a Crime, but a Science. For the famous Barron de Frippon, in his Institutes, Fol: 1st Chap: 3. P. 17, justly calls it the Noble Science of Defence. which is as necessary to be Study’d by the Nobility of ev’ry Nation, as the Small Sword, or the Art of War.
Count. You are right Marforio— for Gaming is an Absolute State of War; In which ev’ry Man must kill or be kill’d; Consequently all Advantages are Justified by the Law of Self Defence.