Pir. As you please to dispose me; my business
Now designs it so: 'Tis there, in short.
[Gives a paper, which Dessandro reads.
I love this gallant mastery of a man's self:
I look'd his temper would have flam'd about my ears.
Not a sparkle in his brow, nor the least change of blood.
Strange! I have seen him ruffl'd into a storm,
And all fury: now, not a frown nor smile!
Des. De Flame? Well,
My lord, this is a down-flat challenge.
Pir. I brought it for one.
Des. I accept it, with thanks to your lordship, and shall be
Ready to serve you in any power I have.
Pir. 'Tis not worth it, colonel.
Des. The Lord de Flame's angry, it seems, that Fortune should
Give me right without his hand in't; he has turn'd his style
High and strangely on me: But I shall coolly respite
That, till we have room to argue it. That he is
Far more worthy his expectations in the duchess, I can
Confess: that's no assent, sir, to my quarrel, nor yet
A law to her. For those, whom her thoughts please
To think most worthy, are so to her.
Pir. But does not bind the opinion of another.
Des. Nor that opinion her freedom.