Oni. Sure, I should.
Cle. I then perceive small hope of our agreement.
Oni. But I a confidence; for I discern
How much you loathe these follies you pretend.
Cle. Good sir, no more of this so kind mistake;
You'll find some other lady more deserves it,
And I aspire not to the honour.
Oni. I'll try yet farther. [Exeunt Oniate and Cleantha.
Enter Lerma and Velasco.
Ler. My lord, you offer nobly.
Vel. 'Tis a step
Beneath Florentio's greatness, whether you
His birth consider or his place. Sir, the queen
By nature's seated and her high deserts,
Where only mighty souls (such as the general's)
May offer to aspire.
Ler. My lord, your lapse
To this proud language is so injurious, that
I must be forc'd to purge the humour. That
The Lord Florentio offers by a duel
To show no man can have fairer pretence
To serve the queen, must be allowed; but that
You dare cast disregard upon this lord,
Although a stranger, urgeth me t' intreat
You'd draw your sword.
Vel. It hath seen light, and made
Way through an army, when fond victory
Smil'd on our enemies: it hath done wonders,
When the thick troops of Moors invaded us.
It fears no opposition.