Marl. I protest, my very good sir, that's no fault of mine. If they don't drink as they ought, they are to blame. I ordered them not to spare the cellar: I did, I assure you. (To the side scene.) Here, let one of my servants come up. (To him.) My positive directions were, that, as I did not drink myself, they should make up for my deficiencies below.
Hard. Then, they had your orders for what they do! I'm satisfied.
Marl. They had, I assure you. You shall hear from one of themselves.
Enter Servant, drunk.
Marl. You, Jeremy! Come forward, sirrah! What were my orders? Were you not told to drink freely, and call for what you thought fit, for the good of the house?
Hard. (Aside.) I begin to lose my patience.
Jeremy. Please your honour, liberty and Fleet-street for ever! Though I'm but a servant, I'm as good as another man. I'll drink for no man before supper, sir, damme! Good liquor will sit upon a good supper; but a good supper will not sit upon—(Hiccup.)—upon my conscience, sir.
Marl. You see, my old friend, the fellow is as drunk as he can possibly be. I don't know what you'd have more, unless you'd have the poor devil soused in a beer-barrel.
Hard. Zounds! He'll drive me distracted if I contain myself any longer. Mr. Marlow, sir; I have submitted to your insolence for more than four hours, and I see no likelihood of its coming to an end. I'm now resolved to be master here, sir; and I desire that you and your drunken pack may leave my house directly.
Marl. Leave your house?—Sure you jest, my good friend! What, when I'm doing what I can to please you?