Archid. I shrink not in the shoulders; though I'm old
I'm tough, steel to the back; I have not wasted
My stock of strength in featherbeds: here's an arm too;
There's stuff in 't, and I hope will use a sword
As well as any beardless boy of you all.
Timag. I'm glad to see you, sir, so well prepared
To endure the travail of the war.
Archid. Go to, sirrah!
I shall endure, when some of you keep your cabins,
For all your flaunting feathers; nay, Leosthenes,
You are welcome too[105], all friends and fellows now.
Leost. Your servant, sir.
Archid. Pish! leave these compliments,
They stink in a soldier's mouth; I could be merry,
For, now my gown's off, farewell gravity[106]!
I fear ye, when you come to the test.—Old stories tell us,
There's a month call'd October[107], which brings in
Cold weather; there are trenches too, 'tis rumour'd,
In which to stand all night to the knees in water,
In gallants breeds the toothach; there's a sport too,
Named lying perdue, do you mark me? 'tis a game
Which you must learn to play at: now in these seasons,
And choice variety of exercises,
(Nay, I come to you,) and fasts, not for devotion,
Your rambling youngster feels strange alterations;
And in a frosty morning.——O welcome! welcome!
Enter Diphilus and Cleora.
You have cut off my discourse; but I will perfect
My lecture in the camp.
Diph. Come, we are stay'd for;
The general's afire for a remove,
And longs to be in action.
Archid. 'Tis my wish too.
We must part—nay, no tears, my best Cleora;
I shall melt too, and that were ominous.
Millions of blessings on thee! All that's mine
I give up to thy charge; and, sirrah, look
[To Marullo.
You with that care and reverence observe her,
Which you would pay to me.—A kiss; farewell, girl!
Diph. Peace wait upon you, fair one!
[Exeunt Archidamus, Diphilus, and Marullo.