KING RICHARD
[Seated, to Chaucer.]
Come now, our prodigal Ulysses! Tell us;
What dark adventures have befallen thee since
Thou settest forth from Priam-Bailey’s castle?
What inland Circe witched our laureate
To mask his Muse among this porkish rabble?
CHAUCER
My liege, may I have leave to tell you bluntly?
KING RICHARD