 This drinking song, which is not found in Shakespeare, has been the object of much negative criticism.Edward Greenfield, on the other hand, has written that "Thomas brings off a superb dramatic coup with the most memorable of the hero's solos, his drinking song for the players..."

Scene 2
"The Great Hall of the castle, festively lit.The royal throne is on the right, a platform for the courtiers on the left; at the back, a small theatre, curtains closed" (set by Charles-Antoine Cambon)"."