Carte blanche, carte blanche, mon cher. I’ll be as mute

As e’er King Alcinous i’ the Odyssey.

CHAUCER

My Muse went masked, King Richard, from your court

To learn a roadside rhyme. Shall I repeat it?

KING RICHARD

Carte blanche, j’ai dit. Say on!

CHAUCER

Your Majesty,

“When Adam delved and Eve span,