"Sir, good-day," replied my grandsire briefly, and with an indifference in accent and manner to which it was evident the other was unaccustomed.
"I have lost my way in the forest," remarked the cavalier, after a pause, during which he appeared to reflect; "and yet methinks I should not consider that a misfortune, since it has conducted me to so pleasant a spot."
"Yes," replied my grandsire, "I thank God that my lines have fallen in a pleasant place."
"And your lot is, therefore, to be envied by men who dwell in king's palaces."
"Mayhap it might," said my grandsire; "but that the exactions of the king's men are so unjust and oppressive."
"Ha!" exclaimed the stranger, as if in a tone of inquiry.
"Yes," continued my grandsire resolutely, "never in my time has there been anything to compare to it, albeit this is the fourth reign in which I have lived. Did King Edward but know of the tyranny and rapacity exercised in his name, and that his subjects live in dread of the purveyor's horn, he would take such order that the commons should no longer be so outrageously plundered."
"Doubtless," replied the cavalier, "the king would do what is right and lawful."
"I would that I had some talk with him," said my grandsire. "I could tell him many things that he is little likely to hear from knight or noble."