ACT THE SECOND.
SCENE I.
A field near Eton College;—several boys crossing backwards and forwards in the back-ground. In front, Talbot, Wheeler, Lord John and Bursal.
Talbot. Fair play, Wheeler! Have at ’em, my boy! There they stand, fair game! There’s Bursal there, with his dead forty-five votes at command; and Lord John with his—how many live friends?
Lord John (coolly). Sir, I have fifty-six friends, I believe.
Talb. Fifty-six friends, his lordship believes—Wheeler inclusive, no doubt.
Lord J. That’s as hereafter may be.
Wheeler. Hereafter! Oh, fie, my lud! You know your own Wheeler has, from the first minute he ever saw you, been your fast friend.
Talb. Your fast friend from the first minute he ever saw you, my lord! That’s well hit, Wheeler; stick to that; stick fast. Fifty-six friends, Wheeler inclusive, hey, my lord! hey, my lud!
Lord J. Talbot exclusive, I find, contrary to my expectations.