(He said this with a kind of gravity that can scarcely be believed.)
"I am no priest, Sir," I said, "if you mean that. I am only a forerunner, at the best."
"Vox clamantis in deserto," said the King. "I hope I shall be no Herod to cut off your head. But it is very kind of you to come to this wilderness. And have you seen my brother yet?"
"I am to see his Royal Highness immediately," I said. "I waited upon
Your Majesty first."
"Poor James!" said the King. "He wants looking after, I think. And what have you come to do in England, Mr. Mallock?"
Now I felt that I was cutting a poor figure at present; and that I must say something presently, if I could, to make the King remember me afterwards. It appeared to me that he was trying me, as he tried all newcomers, to see whether they would be witty or amusing; but, for the life of me, I could think of nothing to say.
"I am come to put myself wholly at Your Majesty's disposal," I said.
"Come! come! That's better," said Charles. "It is usually the other way about. Servus servorum Dei, you know. And in what manner do you propose that I should use you?"
"I will clean Your Majesty's shoes, if you will. Or I will run errands in my own. Or I will sing psalms, or ditties; or I will row in a boat; or I will play tennis, or fence. I am what is called an accomplished young gentleman, Sir."
Now I think I put in a shade too many clauses, for I was a little agitated. But the King's face lightened up very pleasantly.