17

’Then I thinke,’ quoth our king, ’that it is venison.’

’Eche foole,’ quoth Richard, ’full well may see that;

Neuer are we without two or three in the rooffe,

Verry well fleshed and exellent ffatt.

But I pray thee say nothing where-ere thou goe;

We wold not for two pence the king shold it know.’

18

’Doubt not,’ said our king, ’my promised secresye;

The king shall neuer know more on’t for mee.’