Soldiers. Thyself, and only thee, will we obey.
Bas. But if you follow me, yourselves ye pledge
Unto no easy service:—hardships, toils,
The hotest dangers of most dreadful fight
Will be your portion; and when all is o'er,
Each, like his gen'ral, must contented be
Home to to return, a poor brave soldier.
How say ye now? I spread no tempting lure
A better fate than this, I promise none.
Soldiers. We'll follow Basil.
Bas. What token of obedience will ye give?
(A deep pause.)
Soldiers, lay down your arms!
(They all lay down their arms.)
If any here are weary of the service,
Now let them quit the ranks, and they shall have
A free discharge, and passport to their homes;
And from my scanty fortune I'll make good
The well-earn'd pay their royal master owes them.
Let those who follow me their arms resume,
(they all resume their arms.)
(Basil, holding up his hands.) High heaven be prais'd!
I had been griev'd to part with you, my soldiers.
Here is a letter from my gracious master,
With offer of preferment in the north,
Most high preferment, which I did refuse,
For that I would not leave my gallant troops.
(Takes out a letter, and throws it amongst them.)
