A sheep-hook then, with Patch his dog,

And tar-box by his side;

He, with his master, cheek by jowl,

Unto old Gillian hied,

Into whose sight no sooner come,

“Whom have you here?” quoth she,

“A fellow, I doubt, will cut our throats,

So like a knave looks he.”

“Not so, old Dame,” quoth Alfred straight,

“Of me you need not fear;