Smith. Yes, sir: but I think I should hardly swear tho', for all that.
Bayes. By my troth, sir, but you would tho', when you see it: for I make 'em both come out in armour cap-a-pie, with their swords drawn, and hung with a scarlet ribbon at their wrist; which, you know, represents fighting enough.
Johns. Ay, ay; so much, that if I were in your place, I would make 'em go out again, without ever speaking one word.
Bayes. No, there you are out; for I make each of 'em hold a lute in his hand.
Smith. How, sir, instead of a buckler?
Bayes. O Lord, O Lord! instead of a buckler? pray, sir, do you ask no more questions. I make 'em, sirs, play the battle in recitativo. And here's the conceit just at the very same instant that one sings, the other, sir, recovers you his sword, and puts himself into a warlike posture: so that you have at once your ear entertain'd with music and good language, and your eye satisfied with the garb and accoutrements of war.
Smith. I confess, sir, you stupefy me.
Bayes. You shall see.
Johns. But, Mr. Bayes, might not we have a little fighting? for I love those plays where they cut and slash one another upon the stage for a whole hour together.
Bayes. Why, then, to tell you true, I have contriv'd it both ways: but you shall have my recitativo first.