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Library / Literature & Fiction

The Love-chase

by James Sheridan Knowles

Pages
about 62
Category
Literature & Fiction
Language
English
Reading time
68 min at 250 wpm
Start readingThe whole book, as cards or one word at a time. 38 min at 450 wpm in Read mode.

From the opening

Charg. What, hoa there! Hoa, sirrahs! More wine! Are the knaves asleep? Let not our guests cool, or we shall starve the till! Good waiting, more than viands and wine, doth help to make the inn!--George!--Richard!--Ralph!--Where are you?

Charg. That's right. Serve them as quick as they order! A fair company! I have seen them here before. Take care they come again. A choice company! That Master Waller, I hear, is a fine spirit--leads the town. Pay him much duty. A deep purse, and easy strings.

George. And there is another, sir;--a capital gentleman, though from the country. A gentleman most learned in dogs and horses! He doth talk wondrous edification:--one Master Wildrake. I wish you could hear him, sir.

Charg. Well, well!--attend to them. Let them not cool o'er the liquor, or their calls will grow slack. Keep feeding the fire while it blazes, and the blaze will continue. Look to it well!

Charg. And be careful, above all, that you please Master Waller. He is a guest worth pleasing. He is a gentleman. Free order, quick pay!

George. And such, I'll dare be sworn, is the other. A man of mighty stores of knowledge--most learned in dogs and horses! Never was I so edified by the discourse of mortal man.

[MASTER WALLER, MASTER WILDRAKE, MASTER TRUEWORTH, MASTER NEVILLE, and MASTER HUMPHREYS, sitting round a table.]

Wal. Well, Master Wildrake, speak you of the chase! To hear you one doth feel the bounding steed; You bring the hounds and game, and all to view-- All scudding to the jovial huntsman's cheer! And yet I pity the poor crowned deer, And always fancy 'tis by fortune's spite, That lordly head of his, he bears so high-- Like Virtue, stately in calamity, And hunted by the human, worldly hound-- Is made to fly before the pack, that straight Burst into song at prospect of his death.

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