Cra. Let's pair our swords: you are a just Gentleman.
Co. You might be so: now shake hands if you please,
Though't be the cudgel fashion, 'tis a friendly one.
Cra. So, stand off.
Page. That's my cue to beckon 'em. [Exit.
Co. Crates, to expostulate your wrongs to me
Were to doubt of 'em, or wish your excuse
In words, and so return like maiden Knights:
Yet freely thus much I profess, your spleen
And rugged carriage toward your honour'd Brother
Hath much more stirred me up, than min[e] own cause,
For I did ne'r affect these bloody men,
But hold 'em fitter be made publick Hangmen:
Or Butchers call'd, than valiant Gentlemen:
'Tis true stamp'd valour does upon just grounds,
Yet for whom justlier should I expose my life
Than him, unto whose virtue I owe all.
Cra. Conon, you think by this great deed of yours
To insinuate your self a lodging nearer
Unto my Brothers heart: such men as you
Live on their undertakings for their Lords,
And more disable them by answering for 'em
Than if they sate still, make 'em but their whores,
For which end Gallants now adays do fight:
But here we come not to upbraid; what men
Seem, the rash world will judge; but what they are
Heaven knows: and this—Horses, we are descry'd,
One stroke for fear of laughter.
Enter Euphanes, Agenor, Leonidas, Page.
Co. Half a score.
Euph. Hold, hold: on your allegiance hold.
Ag. He that strikes next—