CHES. Was his name Scarlet, that shot off his neck?
JOHN. Chester, it was this honest fellow Scarlet:
This is the fellow, and a yeoman bold
As ever cours'd the swift hart on the mould.
KING. Friar, here's somewhat 'graved upon the ring;
I pray thee read it: meanwhile, list to me.
[This while most compassing the FRIAR about the ring.
Scarlet and Scathlock, you bold brethren,
Twelvepence a day I give each for his fee;
And henceforth see ye live like honest men.
BOTH. We will, my liege, else let us die the death.
MUCH. A boon, a boon, upon my knee,
Good King Richard, I beg of thee!
For indeed, sir, the troth is, Much is my father, and he is one of your
tenants, in King's Mill at Wakefield, all on a green:—
O there dwelleth a jolly pinder,
At Wakefield, all on a green.[272]
Now I would have you, if you will do so much for me, to set me forward
in the way of marriage to Jenny: the mill would not be cast away upon us.
KING. Much, be thou ever master of that mill:
I give it thee for thine inheritance.
MUCH. Thanks, precious prince of courtesy. I'll to Jenny, and tell her of my lands, i'faith. [Exit.
JOHN. Here, Friar, here; here it begins.