Introduction

Lord

Now, fellows, you are welcome.

Players

We thank your honor.

Lord

Do you intend to stay with me tonight?    

First Player

So please your lordship to accept our duty.    

Lord

With all my heart. This fellow I remember
Since once he played a farmer's eldest son;
'Twas where you wooed the gentlewoman so well.
I have forgot your name; but sure that part    
Was aptly fitted and naturally performed.    

Second Player

I think 'twas Soto that your honor means.

Lord

Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!    
Sirs, I will practice on this drunken man.    
What think you, if he were conveyed to bed,
Wrapped in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,    
A most delicious banquet by his bed,
And brave attendants near him when he wakes,    
Would not the beggar then forget himself?    

First Huntsman

Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose.    

Lord

What's here? One dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe?    

Second Huntsman

He breathes, my lord. Were he not warmed with ale,
This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly.    

Lord

O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies!
Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!    

Hostess    

You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?     

Sly

No, not a denier. Go by, Saint Jeronimy. Go to thy cold    
bed and warm thee.        

Hostess

A pair of stocks, you rogue!    

Sly

You’re a baggage, the Slys are no rogues. Look in the     
chronicles, we came in with Richard Conqueror.     
Therefore, paucas pallabris, let the world slide. Sessa!     

Sly

You’re a baggage, the Slys are no rogues. Look in the     
chronicles, we came in with Richard Conqueror.     
Therefore, paucas pallabris, let the world slide. Sessa!     
[A country inn. Enter Christopher Sly, a drunkard, and the inn’s hostess, the owner’s wife.]

Sly

I'll feeze you, in faith.     

Hostess

A pair of stocks, you rogue!    

Sly

You’re a baggage, the Slys are no rogues. Look in the     
chronicles, we came in with Richard Conqueror.     
[Enter aloft the drunkard (Sly) with attendants (some with apparel, basin and pitcher, and other luxurious accessories) and Lord]

Sly

For God’s sake, get me a mug of weak beer!

First Servingman

Would your lordship not like a glass of foreign wine?

Second Servingman

Would your honor like to taste these candied fruits?

Third Servingman

What outfit does your honor want to wear today?

[Enter Christopher Sly (a beggar) and the Hostess]

Sly

I’ll drive you off, I swear.

Hostess

You’ll be locked up, scoundrel!

Sly

You tramp, the Slys are no scoundrels. Look us up in the history books. My family came to England with Richard Conquerer. So enough talk, let it go. Shut up!

Hostess

You won’t pay for the glasses you broke?

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