(_To Sir Walter._) I had some foolish questions to put concerning your son, Sir.--Was John so early valiant as hath been reported? I have heard some legends of him. _Sir Walter_. You shall not call them so. Report, in most things superfluous, in many things altogether an inventress, hath been but too modest in the delivery of John's true stories. _Margaret_. Proceed, Sir. _Sir Walter_. I saw him on the day of Naseby Fight-- To which he came at twice seven years, Under the discipline of the Lord Ashley, His uncle by the mother's side, Who gave his early principles a bent Quite from the politics of his father's house. _Margaret_. I have heard so much. _Sir Walter_. There did I see this valiant Lamb of Mars, This sprig of honour, this unbearded John, This veteran in green years, this sprout, this Woodvil, With dreadless ease, guiding a fire-hot steed Which seem'd to scorn the manage of a boy, Prick forth with such an ease into the field To mingle rivalship and deeds of wrath Even with the sinewy masters of the art[37]! The rough fanatic and blood-practis'd soldiery Seeing such hope and virtue in the boy, Disclosed their ranks to let him pass unhurt, Checking their swords' uncivil injuries As both to mar that curious workmanship Of valour's beauty in his youthful face. _Simon_. Mistress Margaret will have need of some refreshment, etc. Lamb has drawn his pen through this passage, and marked it "bad or dubious." [Footnote 37: Some lines intervene here in the letter to Southey of January 21, 1799, which are not in the MS.] At the beginning of the fourth act John Woodvil's soliloquy is broken in upon by Sandford. He has just told himself [page 186] that Some, the most resolved fools of all, Have told their dearest secrets in their cups, when _Enter Sandford in haste._ _Sandford_. O Sir, you have not told them anything? _John_. Told whom, Sandford? _Sandford_. Mr. Lovel or Mr. Gray, anything concerning your father? _John_. Are they not my friends, Sandford? _Sandford_. Your friends! Lord help you, they your friends! They were no better than two Court spies set on to get the secret out of you. I have just discovered in time all their practices. _John_. But I have told one of them. _Sandford_. God forbid, God forbid! _John_. How do you know them to be what you said they were? _Sandford_. Good God! _John_. Tell me, Sandford, my good Sandford, your master begs it of you. _Sandford_. I cannot speak to you. [_Goes out, John following him._] Scene the Second. The forest. This forest scene has been greatly altered. When Gray has said [page 188], "'Tis a brave youth," etc., there follows:--