I tell you, friend, replied the yeoman, I know him very well, do you but follow me, and I shall bring you to him instantly.
So going forward, he came into the room where the king was accompanied by several of his nobles, who attended him.
As soon as the yeoman had put up by the arras, he spoke aloud, may it please your Majesty, here is one that inquires for Harry Tudor.
The cobbler hearing this, thought he had committed no less than treason: therefore he up with his heels and ran for it: but not being acquainted with the several turning and rooms through which he came, he was soon overtaken and brought before the king, whom the cobbler little thought to be the person he inquired after, therefore in a trembling condition, he fell down on his knees, saying,
May it please your Grace, may it please your Highness, I am a poor cobbler, who inquired for one Harry Tudor, who is a very honest fellow, I mended the heel of his shoe not long since, and for which he paid me nobly, and gave me two pots to boot: but I had him afterwards to my cellar, where we drank part of a cup of nappy ale, and were very merry, till my wife Joan began to grumble which put an end to our merriment, for that time, but I told him I would come to the court and see him, as soon as conveniently I could.
Well, said the king, don’t be troubled, would you know this honest fellow again, if you could see him?
The cobbler replied, Yes, that I will among a thousand.
Then said the king, stand up, and be not afraid, but look well about you, peradventure you may find the fellow in this company.
Whereupon the cobbler arose, and looked wishfully upon the king and the rest of the nobles, but it was to little or no purpose; for though he saw something in the king’s face which he thought he had seen before, yet he could not be Harry Tudor, the heel of whose shoe he had mended, and who had been so merry a companion with him at the inn, and at his own cellar.
He therefore told the king he did not expect to find Harry Tudor among such fine folks as he saw there, but that the person he looked for was a plain honest fellow. Adding withal, that he was sure that did Harry Tudor but know he was come to court, he would make him very welcome: for, says the cobbler, when we parted he charged me to come to court soon and see him, which I promised I would, and accordingly I have made a holyday on purpose to have a glass with him.