Speaking to Adam, a servant, Orlando laments his predicament, a state of idleness and penury which he blames his eldest brother, Oliver, of perpetuating. Presently, Oliver appears and upbraids his younger brother who expresses his displeasure at being condescended to. Angered, Oliver strikes Orlando who in turn immobilizes his older brother with a wrestler's hold. Adam urges the brothers to desist--to no avail. Oliver demands to be released but Orlando agrees to do so only after Orlando has had his say which is that he--Orlando--is as deserving of a gentleman's status as much as his older brothers are. Ergo Oliver should either provide Orlando with all the advantages deserving of a son of Sir Rowland de Boy or relinquish the portion of wealth that is Orlando's by rights of inheritance. Tho
