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I to her fifty summers talked of love!
Richard [aside.]But how distrust a man with whom one drinks
From the same glass?
Rochester [aside.] … ame glass? Ah! what a savage glance!
Richard [aside.]'Tis some informer in my father's pay,
Who'll make against me a malign report.
In the same tavern he will say I drank
With hot opponents of the ruling power.
'Tis in my father's eyes a heinous crime;
It is high treason; 'tis lèse-majesté!
I'll try to win him, and the storm avert.
[He fumbles in his pocket.
I have a few gold nobles in my purse.
Rochester [observing his act, aside.
He's making ready to attack me.—Ah!
And has he pistols, too?
[He steps back in some anxiety.
Richard [aside.] … pistols, too? An they be paid,
What do these varlets care?

[He approaches Rochester with a smiling and indifferent air.] … varlets care? Good-morrow, sir.

Rochester [perturbed.]My lord, may heaven have you in its keeping!
[Aside.]With what a hellish smile he eyes his prey!
[Aloud.]Of the church militant an humble limb
Am I. I will pray God in your behalf.
Richard.I saw you otherwhere not praying, no,
But swearing lustily.
Rochester [hastily.] …ng lustily. You err, my lord!
I, swear?
Richard. I, swear? Ay! by St. George, and by St. Paul!
Rochester.What! I?
Richard. What! I? Swear that you did not swear.