GOW’S WATCH

Act IV.—Scene 4

The Head of the Bargi Pass—in snow. Gow and Ferdinand with their Captains.

Gow (to Ferdinand). The Queen’s host would be delivered me to-day—but that these Mountain Men have sent battalia to hold the Pass. They’re shod, helmed and torqued with soft gold. For the rest, naked. By no argument can I persuade ’em their gilt carcasses against my bombards avail not. What’s to do, Fox?

Ferdinand.

Fatherless folk go furthest. These loud pagans

Are doubly fatherless. Consider; they came

Over the passes, out of all man’s world—

Adullamites, unable to endure

Its ancient pinch and belly-ache—full of revenges,