JOHN You may suppose sometimes They use the neighb'ring Sherwood for their sport, Their exercise and freer recreation.-- I see you smile. Pray now, be careful. LOVEL I am no babbler, sir; you need not fear me. JOHN But some men have been known to talk in their sleep, And tell fine tales that way. LOVEL I have heard so much. But, to say truth, I mostly sleep alone. JOHN Or drink, sir? do you never drink too freely? Some men will drink, and tell you all their secrets. LOVEL Why do you question me, who know my habits? JOHN I think you are no sot, No tavern-troubler, worshipper of the grape; But all men drink sometimes, And veriest saints at festivals relax, The marriage of a friend, or a wife's birth-day. LOVEL How much, sir, may a man with safety drink? (_Smiling_.) JOHN Sir, three half pints a day is reasonable; I care not if you never exceed that quantity. LOVEL I shall observe it; On holidays two quarts. JOHN Or stay; you keep no wench? LOVEL Ha! JOHN No painted mistress for your private hours? You keep no whore, sir? LOVEL What does he mean? JOHN Who for a close embrace, a toy of sin, And amorous praising of your worship's breath, In rosy junction of four melting lips, Can kiss out secrets from you? LOVEL How strange this passionate behaviour shews in you! Sure you think me some weak one. JOHN Pray pardon me some fears. You have now the pledge of a dear father's life. I am a son--would fain be thought a loving one; You may allow me some fears: do not despise me, If, in a posture foreign to my spirit, And by our well-knit friendship I conjure you, Touch not Sir Walter's life. (_Kneels_.) You see these tears. My father's an old man. Pray let him live. LOVEL I must be bold to tell you, these new freedoms Shew most unhandsome in you. JOHN (_rising_) Ha! do you say so? Sure, you are not grown proud upon my secret! Ah! now I see it plain. He would be babbling. No doubt a garrulous and hard-fac'd traitor-- But I'll not give you leave. (_Draws_.) LOVEL What does this madman mean? JOHN Come, sir; here is no subterfuge. You must kill me, or I kill you. LOVEL (_drawing_) Then self-defence plead my excuse. Have at you, sir. (_They fight_.)