Caxton paused and gazed at Master Nicholas in wonder. “Whence hadst thou this?”
Master Nicholas smiled.
“I had it of a chapman, or travelling doctor, who was most urgent that we set it forth straightway on the press.”
“And is it true?” asked Caxton; “thou hast it of a full surety of knowledge?”
Nicholas laughed lightly.
“True or false, I know not,” he said, “but the fellow was so curious that we should print it that he gave me two golden laurels and a new sovereign on the sole understanding that we should set it forth in print.”
There was deep silence for a moment.
“He PAYETH to have it printed!” said Caxton, deeply impressed.
“Aye,” said Master Nicholas, “he payeth and will pay more. The fellow hath other balms equally potent. All of these he would admonish, or shall I say advert, the public.”
“So,” said Caxton, thoughtfully, “he wishes to make, if I may borrow a phrase of Albertus Magnus, an advertisement of his goods.”