Sandoval. Earl Henry! Frown not thus upon Fernandez;
'Tis said, and all the Soldiery believe it,
That the five Regiments who return with you
Will be dispers'd in garrisons and castles,
And other Jails of honourable name. 160
So great a crime it is to have been present
In duty and devotion to a Hero!
Fernandez. What now? What now? The politic Chancellor is
The Soldier's friend, and rather than not give
Snug pensions to brave Men, he'll overlook 165
All small disqualifying circumstances
Of youth and health, keen eye and muscular limb,
He'll count our scars, and set them down for maims.
And gain us thus all privileges and profits
Of Invalids and superannuate veterans. 170
Earl Henry. 'Tis but an idle rumour—See! they come.
Enter Barnard and a number of Soldiers, their Colours wound up, and the Drums in Cases, and after them Don Curio. All pay the military Honors to the General. During this time Fernandez has hurried up in front of the Stage.
Enter Don Curio.
Don Curio (advancing to Earl Henry). Has Barnard told you?
Insult on insult! by mine honor, Brother!
(Barnard goes beside Curio.) And by our Father's soul they mean to saint you,
Having first prov'd your Patience more than mortal. 175
Earl Henry. Take heed, Don Curio! lest with greater right
They scoff my Brother for a choleric boy.
What insult then?
Don Curio. Our Friend, the Chancellor,
Welcomes you home, and shares the common joy
In the most happy tidings of your Victory: 180
But as to your demand of instant audience
From the Queen's Royal Person,—'tis rejected!
Sandoval. Rejected?