Early Modern Drama · Character Archetypes

SWORD

in Work for Cutlers (Sword, Rapier, and Dagger) — Anonymous

Metadata

PlayWork for Cutlers (Sword, Rapier, and Dagger)
AuthorAnonymous
Year (catalogued)1615
First performance1615
Decade1610s
GenreAcademic Entertainment
Play typeUniversity
Theaterat University;
Speech prefix(es)Sword. | Sworde. | Sword,
Words414
Characters2041
Typicality0.23 (cosine to cluster centroid)
TCP idA15707
BritDrama no.1760
ClusterCluster 16 — Errand servants & brief parts

Important excerpts

No keyword-matching excerpt could be extracted (the cluster label doesn't share vocabulary with this character's speech).

Full speech

N Ay Rapier, come forth, come forth I say, I'll give thee a crown, though it be but a cracked one: what wilt not? art so hard to be drawn forth Rapier? Yes if yowl be single Rapier too. I'll tell you what, if I go into the Field with him, hang Sword up if I do not cut Rapiers points, and lash him when I have done: nay, you shall find Sword mettle to the very back: God's-foot, my teeth be and edge at him. Hang him, I defy him base Spam niard. Capon? Well Rapier, if thou goest into the fields with me, I'll make a Capon of you before I have done with you, you shall never come home uncut I'll warrant you. Near talk you of hacking, for it's a hundred to one if you have not the Foyle-Rapier. The Cutler, Alas we are the best Friends he has, and if it were not for us, the Cutler might soon shut up his shop. But it were more wisdom then to stand: For the Cutler is a man as well Ar med as any man I know, and has as good skill inns weapons. Sir, Sword has be proved be before now, and yet heel prove himself a gain with you, if you dare follow him. What talk you of Law? Sword scorns to have any other Law then Martial law, and that upon you Rapier. Why Sir, 'tis well known that Sword has flourished in his days. I hope knows how to keep his quarters Rapier a Gentleman? No, no, its Sword that's the no table Soldier; Why, theres none of all you Captains could do any thing in War without him. Yet he's not fit for a Soldier, any man may bend him as he list. Then let me alone to tickle Bows owns nock i'faith. Bill, I'll pay him soundly, if ere I reach him. Its' never but when Powder over charges him, then indeed heel be somewhat hight oath matter. I wonder they should choose him: Why he does every thing on the sudden. I but he's Nobody nowadays, He's blown up long ago. Dare I? You shall soon see that: Go, and I'll follow you. Why, you are a backfriend to us both Dagger. Rapier a Soldier? When did you ere know Rapier fight a Battle? Are duels put down? Then I am forc'de to be Friends: Speak then. Pish, Its nothing but a flash.

Plot summary

Plot — Work for Cutlers (Sword, Rapier, and Dagger)
Sword quarrels with Rapier. Dagger intervenes in an effort to stop them fighting one another, and threatens to call in the cutler to deal with them. The two weapons boast of one another’s martial prowess, and comment on the soldiership of other weapons they know. When the quarrel threatens to erupt again, Dagger reminds them that duelling is now illegal, and offers his services as an arbitrator. He allows each of them their own distinctive sphere of influence: Sword will hold sway in the army camp and Rapier in the court. With this agreed, the weapons go off for a drink at the Dagger inn.