Mil. It's more than you deserve, I believe; but let's hear what you can say for yourself.
King. I have the Honour to belong to the King as well as you, and, perhaps, should be as unwilling to see any Wrong done him. I came down with him to hunt in this Forest, and the Chace leading us to Day a great Way from Home, I am benighted in this Wood, and have lost my Way.
Mil. This does not sound well; if you have been a hunting, pray where is your Horse?
King. I have tired my Horse so that he lay down under me, and I was oblig'd to leave him.
Mil. If I thought I might believe this now.
King. I am not used to lie, honest Man.
Mil. What! do you live at Court, and not lie! that's a likely Story indeed.
King. Be that as it will. I speak Truth now I assure you; and, to convince you of it, if you will attend me to Nottingham, if I am near it; or give me a Night's Lodging in your own House, here is something to pay you for your Trouble, and if that is not sufficient, I will satisfy you in the Morning to your utmost Desire.
Mil. Ay, now I am convinc'd you are a Courtier; here is a little Bribe for to Day, and a large Promise for To-morrow, both in a Breath: Here, take it again, and take this along with it——John Cockle is no Courtier, he can do what he ought——without a Bribe.
King. Thou art a very extraordinary Man I must own; and I should be glad, methinks, to be further acquainted with thee.