Sir To.

Gentleman, heav'n save thee.

Vio.

And you, Sir.

Sir To.

That defence thou hast, betake thee to't; of what nature the wrongs are thou hast done him, I know not; but thy intercepter, full of despight, bloody as the hunter, attends thee at the orchard end; dismount thy tuck, be yare‡ ^note in thy preparation, for thy assailant is quick, skilful, and deadly.

Vio.

You mistake, Sir, I am sure no man hath any quarrel to me; my remembrance is very free and clear from any image of offence done to any man.

Sir To.

You'll find it otherwise, I assure you; therefore, if you hold your life at any price, betake you to your guard; for your opposite hath in him, what youth, strength, skill, and wrath can furnish a man withal.

Vio.

I pray you, Sir, what is he?

Sir To.

He is knight dubb'd with unhack'd rapier,§ ^note and on carpet consideration; but he is a devil in private brawl; souls and bodies hath he divorc'd three; and his incensement, at this moment, is so implacable, that satisfaction can be none but by pangs of death and sepulchre: hob, nob, is his word; give't or take't.

Vio.

I will return again into the house, and desire some conduct of the lady. I am no fighter.

Sir To.

Back you shall not to the house, unless you undertake that with me, which with as much safety you might answer to him; therefore on, and strip your sword stark naked; for meddle you must, that's certain, or forswear to wear iron about you.

Vio.

This is as uncivil, as strange. I beseech you do me this courteous office, as to know of the knight what my offence to him is: it is something of my negligence, nothing of my purpose.

Sir To.

I will do so. Signior Fabian, stay you by this gentleman, 'till my return.

Vio.

Pray you, Sir, do you know of this matter?

Fab.

I know the knight is incens'd against you, even to a mortal arbitrement,* ^note but nothing of the circumstance more.

Vio.

I beseech you, what manner of man is he?

Fab.

Nothing of that wonderful promise to read him by his form, as you are like to find him in the proof of his valour. He is indeed, Sir, the most skilful, bloody, and fatal opposite, that you could possibly have found, in any part of Illyria: will you walk towards him? I will make your peace with him, if I can.

Vio.

I shall be much bound to you for't: I am one that had rather go with Sir Priest, than Sir Knight: I care not who knows so much of my mettle.

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