Page:Passions 2.pdf/111

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
A COMEDY.
99

back his own friends from the poll to make you the member for Westown. (Balt. staggers back some paces, and the pistol falls from his hand.)

Char. (capering with joy.) O, brave and noble! this makes a man's heart jump to his mouth! Come here, Mr. Spitfire, (taking up the pistol.) we shall have no more occasion for you.

Balt. (giving Charles an angry push as he stoops down close by him to lift the pistol.) Get away, damn'd fool! Does this make you happy?

True. Fie, Baltimore! It is not manly in thee to be thus overcome.

Balt. If thou had'st lodged a bullet in my brain I had thank'd thee for it.

True. And is there nothing, then, within your breast that is generously called forth to meet the noble gratitude of a liberal mind? A mind which has strove to acquit itself of the obligation that it owes to you, and to make you ample reparation for an injury which you have suffered on his account, tho' entirely unknown to him. There is nothing in your breast that comes forth to meet such sentiments as these. Injuries and oppression are pleasing to your mind; generosity and gratitude oppress it. Are these the feelings of a brave man? Come, come! (taking his arm gently.)

Balt. Hold, away! I am fool'd, and depress'd, and degraded! (turns away from him abruptly.)

True. Well, then, battle out with your own proud spirit the best way you can. Freeman, I must agree to it, is a magnificent, boasting, ostenta-