When he needs my service, I have courage enough
to perform it; but I have none to displease him. His commands are a
supreme law to me; seek some one else to disobey him. I speak to you,
Viscount, with entire frankness; in every other matter I am at your
service. Farewell.
[Footnote: During his long reign, Louis XIV. tried to put a stop to
duelling; and, though he did not wholly succeed, he prevented the
seconds from participating in the fight,--a custom very general before
his rule, and to which Eraste alludes in saying that he does not "fear
that the refusal of his (my) sword can be imputed to cowardice."]
SCENE XI.--ERASTE, LA MONTAGNE.
ER. To the deuce with these bores, fifty times over! Where, now, has my
beloved gone to?
LA M. I know not.
ER. Go and search everywhere till you find her. I shall await you in
this walk.
BALLET TO ACT I.
_First Entry_.
Players at Mall, crying out "Ware!" compel Eraste to draw back. After
the players at Mall have finished, Eraste returns to wait for Orphise.
_Second Entry_.
Inquisitive folk advance, turning round him to see who he is, and cause
him again to retire for a little while.
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