Act 4, Scene 1 Summary

David is trying to talk his master, Mr. Acres, out of the duel. Acres says he must fight to preserve his honor. David notes that honor is no good in the grave. When Acres asks David if he thinks he is in great danger, David says the odds are ten to one against Acres. Acres calls David a coward and vows that his servant's whimpering will not make him afraid.

Acres has summoned his friend, Jack Absolute, to deliver the challenge to Ensign Beverly. Jack arrives and assures his friend he knows where to find the elusive Beverly. Acres then asks Jack to be his second for the duel, but Jack declines saying, "Not in this affair—it would not be proper."

Before Jack departs with the message, Acres asks him to tell Beverly how angry and determined he is. Acres...