I promised all the interest I should have;
Because I thought, before you came to claim it,
A husband's right would take my title from me.
_Gons_. I come to see if any manly virtue
Can dwell with falsehood: Draw, thou'st injured me.
_Man_. You say already I have done you wrong,
And yet would have me right you by a greater.
_Gons_. Poor abject thing!
_Man_. Who doubts another's courage
Wants it himself; but I, who know my own,
Will not receive a law from you to fight,
Or to forbear: for then I grant your courage
To master mine, when I am forced to do
What of myself I would not.
_Gons_. Your reason?
_Man_. You saved my life.
_Gons_. I'll quit that debt, to be
In a capacity of forcing you
To keep your promise with me; for I come
To learn, your sister is not yet disposed.
_Man_. I've lost all privilege to defend my life;
And, if you take it now, 'tis no new conquest;
Like fish, first taken in a river, then
Bestowed in ponds to catch a second time.
_Gons_. Mark but how partially you plead your
cause,
Pretending breach of honour if you fight,
Yet think it none to violate your word.
_Man_. I cannot give my sister to a robber.
_Gons_. You shall not; I am none, but born of blood
As noble as yourself; my fortunes equal
At least with yours, my reputation yet,
I think, unstained.
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