[Sennet. Flourish. Exeunt all but Vernon and Basset.]
VERNON.
Now, sir, to you that were so hot at sea,
Disgracing of these colours that I wear
In honour of my noble Lord of York,
Dar’st thou maintain the former words thou spak’st?
BASSET.
Yes, sir, as well as you dare patronage
The envious barking of your saucy tongue
Against my lord the Duke of Somerset.
VERNON.
Sirrah, thy lord I honour as he is.
BASSET.
Why, what is he? As good a man as York.
VERNON.
Hark ye; not so: in witness, take ye that.
[Strikes him.]
BASSET.
Villain, thou knowest the law of arms is such
That whoso draws a sword, ’tis present death,
Or else this blow should broach thy dearest blood.
But I’ll unto his Majesty, and crave
I may have liberty to venge this wrong;
When thou shalt see I’ll meet thee to thy cost.
VERNON.
Well, miscreant, I’ll be there as soon as you;
And, after, meet you sooner than you would.
[Exeunt.]