Buckingham was too great a courtier not to see and feel it. He bowed respectfully, replying to his Majesty, “Sire, I would not presume to follow the King’s eyes, however much I admire their taste.”
“’Tis well,” replied his Majesty, pointedly, “lest they lead thee abroad on a sleeveless mission.”
Others had travelled upon such missions; Buckingham knew it well.
“But what does your Majesty here to-night, if we dare ask?” questioned James, who had just bethought him how to turn the tables upon the King.
Charles looked at his brother quizzically. “Humph!” he exclaimed, in his peculiar way. “Feeding my ducks in yonder pond.” His staff swept indefinitely toward the park.
“Hunting with us were nobler business, Sire,” suggested James, decisively.
“Not so,” replied the King, quite seriously. “My way–I learn to legislate for ducks.”
“’T'were wiser,” preached York, “to study your subjects’ needs.”
The King’s eyes twinkled. “I go among them,” he said, “and learn their needs, while you are praying, brother.”
At this sally, Rochester became convulsed, though he hid it well; for Rochester was not as pious as brother James.