Page:Colas breugnon.djvu/316

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302
COLAS BREUGNON

not be the same ones that I knew and loved, like King Henry who is gone; but never mind, Colas, there is nothing to cry about. I should think not indeed ! for you surely don't want to keep on chewing the same cud for ever. The wine is just as good even if it is not out of the old casks, and here's to the King and his people!

"Frankly, dear children, I love myself better than any King, so liberty for us, my countrymen! and to the devil with our rulers! As long as we are here, the land I love, and I, all is well; so what need have we of a King on earth or in Heaven? Or of a throne for him to sit on? Let each man have his share of the sun and shade, his bit of land, and his arms to work with, no one could ask more; and if the King in person came to my house I would say, 'Come in and sit down, for we are all equal to- gether in France, each master in his own kingdom, and here's to your good health, my guest and cousin.' "

"How is this?" said Brother John, "art thou also a poet? — By the help of God, I can string rhymes together as well as another; I am sure of it; have but patience with me if my verses should prove of the wrong color — "

— Pantagruel, v. 46.