Knave of Hearts. I say thee nay.
Knave of Diamonds. He gives him the lie direct.
Knave of Clubs. I saw him. I saw him.
Joker (rising, shakes the stool in one hand, the rattle in the other, and shouts). Silence! silence, ye riotous varlets! What is this now? What is it? Why all this noise and debate?
Knave of Hearts. Nay, Sir Joker, but it was the Knave of Spades.
Knave of Spades. Thou speakest false.
Knave of Diamonds and Knave of Clubs. Ay, ay, Hearts held the taper.
[The Knave of Hearts quickly blows out the taper and throws it away. The Knaves all begin to talk to the Joker at once. He stops his ears and shouts.]
Joker. Silence, I beg of ye! Silence! What is it, I say?
The four Knaves (speaking all together). Good Sir Joker, let me explain.