Care. Well, resolve what you'll do with her when she comes.
Capt. Faith, bear it like men; 'tis only an old lady lost; let's resolve to defy her, we are sure of our pearl; but lest we prolong the war, take the first occasion you can all to avoid the room. When she's alone, I'll try whether she'll listen to a composition.
Jolly. Have you no friends in the close committee?
Capt. Yes, yes, I am an Essex man.[252]
Care. Then get some of them to move, it may be voted no letter.
Jolly. Ay, ay; and after 'tis voted no letter, then vote it false; scandalous, and illegal, and that is in it: they have a precedent for it in the Danish packet, which they took from a foolish fellow who, presuming upon the law of nations, came upon an embassy to the king without an order or pass from both houses!
Capt. Hark, I hear her coming.
Enter Loveall and Faithful.
Love. Sir, I received a letter, but by what accident, I know not; for I believe it was not intended [to] me, though the contents concern me.
Capt. Madam, 'tis too late to deny it; is it peace or war you bring? without dispute, if war, I hang out my defiance: if peace, I yield my weapon into your hands.