’God saue your worshippe,’ then said the messenger,

’And grant your ladye her owne harts desire;

And to your sonne Richard good fortune and happinesse,

That sweet younge gentleman and gallant squier!

Our king greets you well, and thus doth say;

You must come to the court on St Georges day.

25

’Therfore in any case fayle not to be in place.’

’I-wis,’ quoth the miller, ’it is an odd iest!

What shold wee doe there?’ he sayd, ’infaith I am halfe afraid.’