第四十六章
Chapter XLVI describes a late-night tavern scene that erupts into confrontation. After Slyboot provokes the narrator regarding Bragwell, the actor Ranter falsely accuses the narrator of insult, prompting the narrator to challenge Ranter to leap over a sword. Ranter is forced over the blade by Bragwell and flees, after which the group pays the bill near two o’clock, deposits Bragwell asleep at Moll King’s coffee-house, and the narrator reconciles with Banter on their walk toward Charing-cross.
Slyboot Provokes Tension With Bragwell
Slyboot, sitting beside the narrator, whispers that Bragwell has used him ill while leaving each man to judge his own affairs. The narrator answers aloud that he will suffer neither Bragwell nor Slyboot to abuse him with impunity and needs no counsel about his conduct. Slyboot profusely asks pardon and insists he meant no offence, while Bragwell feigns sleep to avoid taking notice of the exchange.
Ranter Falsely Accuses Narrator of Insult
The player Ranter, having more spirit than discretion, jogs Bragwell and whispers that the narrator has called him names and threatened to cudgel him. Bragwell startles up and demands to know if the narrator has so insulted him. The narrator denies the imputation and proposes instead to punish the scoundrel who is trying to foment disturbance in the company, a suggestion Bragwell approves.
Narrator Challenges Ranter to Sword Leap
Drawing his sword alongside Bragwell, the narrator addresses Ranter as possessing the mimicry and mischievous qualities of an ape, having observed these traits displayed throughout the evening. He challenges Ranter to demonstrate ape-like nimbleness by leaping over the sword, which he holds parallel to the horizon about three feet from the floor. He counts “once, twice, thrice, and away” as his demand.
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