Hast. I fancy, Charles, you're right: the first blow is half the battle. I intend opening the campaign with the white and gold.
Hard. Mr. Marlow—Mr. Hastings—gentlemen—pray be under no restraint in this house. This is Liberty Hall, gentlemen. You may do just as you please here.
Marl. Yet, George, if we open the campaign too fiercely at first we may want ammunition before it is over. I think to reserve the embroidery to secure a retreat.
Hard. Your talking of a retreat, Mr. Marlow, puts me in mind of the Duke of Marlborough, when he went to besiege Denain. He first summoned the garrison.
Marl. Don't you think the ventre d'or waistcoat will do with the plain brown?
Hard. He first summoned the garrison, which might consist of about five thousand men—
Hast. I think not: brown and yellow mix but very poorly.
Hard. I say, gentlemen, as I was telling you, he summoned the garrison, which might consist of about five thousand men—
Marl. The girls like finery.
Hard. Which might consist of about five thousand men, well appointed with stores, ammunition, and other implements of war. Now, says the Duke of Marlborough, to George Brooks, that stood next to him—you must have heard of George Brooks; "I'll pawn my dukedom," says he, "but I take that garrison without spilling a drop of blood." So——