By the Tabard in Southwark, Langland met two horsemen a-riding, and, as was his custom, he passed them by without obeisance. They noted him, for they were scanning earnestly all persons who met them; and one that was seneschal to the Prince said:—
“A rude fellow!”
And the other:—
“Some malcontent. 'T is so with many of these poor parsons, I hear.”
But a voice called to them from behind, and turning, they saw the clerk, who endeavoured to come up with them.
“Sirs,” he called, “if ye seek one Stephen Fitzwarine, I have but now seen him safe at Kennington Palace.”
“Here 's silver for thy courtesy, master clerk,” said the seneschal, and tossed a white piece on the ground, then turned and galloped off with his comrade.
Long Will stood looking at the silver in the mud:—
“Eh, well!—'t will buy parchment,” said he, and picked it up and wiped it on his sleeve.