It is decided that the simile should be added to the prologue, for, as Johnson remarks to Bayes, “Faith, ’tis extraordinary fine, and very applicable to Thunder and Lightning, methinks, because it speaks of a storm.” In the second act we come to the opening of the play, the first scene consisting of whispering, in ridicule of a scene in Davenant’s “Play-house to Let,” where Drake senior says—
Draw up your men,
And in low whispers give your orders out.
In fact, the Gentleman-Usher and the Physician of the two kings of Brentford appear upon the scene alone, and discuss a plot to dethrone the two kings of Brentford, which they communicate by whispers into each other’s ears, which are totally inaudible. In Scene ii., “Enter the two kings, hand in hand,” and Bayes remarks to his visitors, “Oh! these are now the two kings of Brentford; take notice of their style—’twas never yet upon the stage; but, if you like it, I could make a shift, perhaps, to show you a whole play, writ all just so.” The kings begin, rather familiarly, because, as Bayes adds, “they are both persons of the same quality:”—
1st King.—Did you observe their whispers, brother king?
2nd King.—I did, and heard, besides, a grave bird sing,
That they intend, sweetheart, to play us pranks.
1st King.—If that design appears,
I’ll lay them by the ears,
Until I make ’em crack.