The phrase “courtesy of nations” refers to primogeniture, the English custom by which the eldest son inherits all money and property. If a wealthy man has more than one son, the other sons usually enter the military or study to become ministers. Although Orlando understands that he cannot inherit any property, he is still the son of an aristocrat and feels that he should be treated better. Orlando is angry for three reasons: (1) he is treated like a lowly serf, (2) he has not been allowed an education befitting a son of an aristocrat, and (3) he has not been given the one thousand pounds that his father left him in his will. Orlando is in the right in demanding that Oliver should treat him better and that Oliver should also follow the bequests made by their father in his will.
Oliver is an arrogant and disdainful individual, however, who hates his younger brother intensely. Oliver feels that Orlando has no right to speak to him in this manner, and so Oliver physically attacks his youngest brother. Orlando, though, is stronger and a better fighter than is Oliver. Orlando grabs Oliver by the throat and begins to choke him.
Orlando then demands that Oliver either (1) should treat him better and provide him with an opportunity or education so that he may become a gentleman or (2) give him the one thousand pounds as stated in their father’s will so that he can leave and pursue his fortunes elsewhere.
Oliver grudgingly tells Oliver that he will get the money, and then he should leave the premises. The incensed Oliver also calls Adam an “old dog”