“I am indeed godson to that most noble earl, and gentleman of the bedchamber to son altesse the Prince Richard, heir to the throne of England and son to our lamented Edward, Prince of Wales, of beloved memory.” And Etienne uncovered his head, as did all them that had caps in that assembly.
“So!” said Langland, looking on him with approval. “'T is spoke in a spirit most prudent, wise, and Christian. And does your way lie o' Cornhill, sir? With your good-will I 'll bear you company.”
The crowd dispersed to right and left, but Hobbe the smith lingered yet a moment to say:—
“'T was with thee the gentleman had business, Will. Zeal to look upo' thy countenance hath brought him hither.”
And after, albeit the squire and Langland paid him no heed, this Hobbe followed on behind, ever and anon voicing some pleasantry, as:—
“That I should live to hear thee sweeten thy tongue to tickle a lording, Will!”
Or:—
“Look out at window, good neighbours, afore the sky fall. Here 's Will Langland, that never lifted his eye to do lordships and rich men a courtesy, walketh London streets to-day with a flowering sprig o' green from the court.”
Or he sang from Long Will's Vision:—
"'By Christ, quoth the knight then, thou learnest us the best!
Save o' time truly, thus taught was I never!
But teach me, quoth the knight, and I shall know how to plough;
I will help thee to labour while my life lasteth.'"