Shakespeare’s bedchamber in his house at Stratford. The master is seated in a large chair close to the bed. A small table stands near the head of the bed. His daughter Judith is in the room; as the curtain goes up she goes to the door and admits Jonson and Drayton. She will scarcely look at them, and soon after leaves the room.
Jonson:
[Going quietly to bed.] We came to see you, Shakespeare, before we return to town.
Drayton:
We were so sorry to hear you were ill. But what’s the matter?
Shakespeare:
My joy at seeing you both: the cup of wine last night; our great talk—have set the old candle guttering.
Jonson:
It isn’t what you drank; you were most temperate.
Shakespeare: