Pin. There need none, sir; you have the law, which will uphold you in it; the recovery of your liberty, and my liberty, as well as that of the barber, will support you. There is in your person the liberty of every man in England. As you are a constable concerned, I am a lawyer. I'll stand by you, I warrant you. But let's be silent before you bring in the posse. Take these deeds in your care and custody. [Giving him deeds.] Observe, Mr. Barber, I deliver them to him; and now let us go, or him go, and let in his people. [Exit Constable.] What a prodigious villainy was here, Mr. Barber! I placed such a confidence in this Mr. Severn, and took counsel with him for the disposal of my niece, and thus he has served me; but I have put my deeds relating to her into the constable's hand; and if he can let his posse into the house, I'll warrant you we will recover all.
[A noise of people:—"Beat down the doors; deliver the lady.">[
Barb. Hark, hark! he has got them in, I warrant ye the posse is raised; I'll warrant we shall have the whole city and country on our side.
Pin. The whole matter is, how to conduct it legally. Let me be but of the council, and we will knock them all o' the head, and not transgress the law at all; we will murder the dogs, I would say the rogues. Why, what is there in it? they are no people, they are nobody in law; and if they are no people, to kill them is to kill nobody; for to fire at fera natura, creatures by nature wild—those animals are lawful game, and any man that has so much a year may kill them; so, Mr. Barber, any man may fire upon these fellows; these stage-players, who are no persons, have no right in themselves; and therefore any man may kill them.
[A noise without:—"Deliver the lady; give her to her guardian; give her to her uncle.">[
Barb. They are just a-coming in; I know the neighbourhood and the constable; you shall direct us all.
Pin. Nay, I'll warrant you all shall be safely and legally done.
[Enter a crowd of people.]
Rabble. Where is the gentleman? where is the gentleman?