SCENE--_for the most part at Sir Walter's mansion in_ DEVONSHIRE; _at other times in the Forest of_ SHERWOOD. TIME--_soon after the_ RESTORATION. * * * * * ACT THE FIRST. SCENE--_A Servants' Apartment in Woodvill Hall. Servants drinking--_ TIME, _the Morning_. _A Song, by_ DANIEL. "When the King enjoys his own again." _Peter_. A delicate song. Where didst learn it, fellow? _Dan_. Even there, where thou learnest thy oaths and thy politics--at our master's table.--Where else should a serving-man pick up his poor accomplishments? _Mar_. Well spoken, Daniel. O rare Daniel! his oaths and his politics! excellent! _Fran_. And where didst pick up thy knavery, Daniel? _Peter_. That came to him by inheritance. His family have supplied the shire of Devon, time out of mind, with good thieves and bad serving-men. All of his race have come into the world without their conscience. _Mar_. Good thieves, and bad serving-men! Better and better. I marvel what Daniel hath got to say in reply. _Dan_. I marvel more when thou wilt say anything to the purpose, thou shallow serving-man, whose swiftest conceit carries thee no higher than to apprehend with difficulty the stale jests of us thy compeers. When was't ever known to club thy own particular jest among us? _Mar_. Most unkind Daniel, to speak such biting things of me! _Fran_. See--if he hath not brought tears into the poor fellow's eyes with the saltness of his rebuke. _Dan_. No offence, brother Martin--I meant none. 'Tis true, Heaven gives gifts, and withholds them. It has been pleased to bestow upon me a nimble invention to the manufacture of a jest; and upon thee, Martin, an indifferent bad capacity to understand my meaning. _Mar_. Is that all? I am content. Here's my hand. _Fran_. Well, I like a little innocent mirth myself, but never could endure bawdry. _Dan_. _Quot homines tot sententiæ._ _Mar_. And what is that? _Dan_. 'Tis Greek, and argues difference of opinion. _Mar_. I hope there is none between us. _Dan_. Here's to thee, brother Martin. (_Drinks_.) _Mar_. And to thee, Daniel. (_Drinks_.) _Fran_. And to thee, Peter. (_Drinks_.) _Peter_. Thank you, Francis. And here's to thee. (_Drinks_.) _Mar_. I shall be fuddled anon. _Dan_. And drunkenness I hold to be a very despicable vice. _All_. O! a shocking vice. (_They drink round_.) _Peter_. In as much as it taketh away the understanding. _Dan_. And makes the eyes red. _Peter_. And the tongue to stammer. _Dan_. And to blab out secrets. [_During this conversation they continue drinking_. _Peter_. Some men do not know an enemy from a friend when they are drunk. _Dan_. Certainly sobriety is the health of the soul. _Mar_. Now I know I am going to be drunk. _Dan_. How canst tell, dry-bones? _Mar_. Because I begin to be melancholy. That's always a sign. _Fran_. Take care of Martin, he'll topple off his seat else. [MARTIN _drops asleep_.