"Why," said Sir Osborne, "he does not seem a very old man now!"
"He is full eighty," replied the clergyman; "and there is the wonder, for he seems never to change. For twenty years he was absent from England, except when he came to be present at your birth. At length everybody had forgotten him but your father, and he is now only known by the name of Sir Cesar. Yet, strange as it may seem, he is received and courted by the great; he knows the secrets and affairs of every one, and possesses much influence even in the court. It is true I know his former name, but under so strict a vow to conceal it that it can never pass my lips."
"But how came he present at my birth?" demanded Sir Osborne, whose curiosity was now highly excited.
"He came to calculate your nativity," replied the tutor, "which he did upon a scroll of parchment----"
"Fifty-six yards long by three yards broad," said Jekin Groby, waking, "which makes just one hundred and sixty-eight: yaw---- Bless me, I forgot! Is supper ready? Host, host! Cook, serve quick, and these gentles will take a bit of my lamb, I am sure."
"I thank you, good sir," said the knight, "but I must to bed, for I ride betimes to-morrow."
"So do I, faith," said the clothier; "and by your leave, sir knight, I'll ride with you, if you go toward Lunnun; for my bags are well lined, and company's a blessing in these days of plunder and robbery."
"With all my heart," replied Sir Osborne; "so that you have your horse saddled by half-past five, we will to Canterbury together."
"Well, I'll be ready, I'll be ready," said the clothier; "but sure you'll stay and taste the lamb and ale? See how it hisses and crackles! Oh! 'tis a rare morsel, a neck of lamb! Stay stay!"
"I thank you, 'tis not possible," replied the knight. "Good night, my excellent old friend!" he continued, pressing the tutor's hand. "We shall soon meet, then, at the house of your relation, Doctor Butts: till then, farewell!"