CONSTABLE.
They are. Some ten in fetters, and some twenty drunk.
JUSTICE.
Attends the youth, whose most opprobrious fame And clear convicted crimes have stamp’d him soldier?
CONSTABLE.
He waits your pleasure; eager to repay The best reprieve that sends him to the fields Of glory, there to raise his branded hand In honour’s cause.
JUSTICE.
’Tis well—’tis justice arms him! Oh! may he now defend his country’s laws With half the spirit he has broke them all! If ’tis your worship’s pleasure, bid him enter.
CONSTABLE.
I fly, the herald of your will. [Exit.]
PUFF.
Quick, sir.
SNEER.
But, Mr. Puff, I think not only the justice, but the clown seems to talk in as high a style as the first hero among them.
PUFF.
Heaven forbid they should not in a free country!—Sir, I am not for making slavish distinctions, and giving all the fine language to the upper sort of people.
DANGLE.
That’s very noble in you, indeed. Enter JUSTICE’S LADY.
PUFF.
Now, pray mark this scene. Lady Forgive this interruption, good my love; But as I just now pass’d a prisoner youth, Whom rude hands hither lead, strange bodings seized My fluttering heart, and to myself I said, An’ if our Tom had lived, he’d surely been This stripling’s height!