know me. The courtesy of nations allows you
my better, in that you are the first-born; but 50
the same tradition takes not away my blood,
were there twenty brothers betwixt us. I have
as much of my father in me as you; albeit, I
confess, your coming before me is nearer to his
reverence.
Oli. What, boy! 56
Orl. Come, come, elder brother, you are too
young in this.
Oli. Wilt thou lay hands on me, villain? 59
Orl. I am no villain; I am the youngest son
of Sir Rowland de Boys; he was my father, and
he is thrice a villain that says such a father
begot villains. Wert thou not my brother, I
would not take this hand from thy throat till
this other had pulled out thy tongue for saying
so: thou hast railed on thyself. 66
Adam. [Coming forward.] Sweet masters, be
patient: for your father's remembrance, be at
accord.
Oli. Let me go, I say. 70
Orl. I will not, till I please: you shall hear
me. My father charged you in his will to give
me good education: you have trained me like
a peasant, obscuring and hiding from me all
gentleman-like qualities. The spirit of my father
grows strong in me, and I will no longer endure
it; therefore allow me such exercises as may be-
come a gentleman, or give me the poor allottery
49 courtesy of nations: usage of civilised nations
55 reverence; cf. n.
58 young: inexperienced, i.e., in manly prowess
60 villain: serf, servant. (In 59 the word has its modern meaning)
78 allottery: share, portion
