old fellow, who consulted with the rest of the servants, and agreed with them for ten crowns, that he would soon make Fortunatus depart of his own accord, and leave his lord, which sum they soon paid him down, to accomplish which he soon insinuates himself into Fortunatus’s company, pretending him great friendship, treating him highly at several great Feasts of women and wine, also much praising his riches, nobility of birth, and valiant courage, and always paying the shot for Fortunatus, till at last he began to insinuate that he would reveal a secret to him: that his lord having conceived a great jealousy of his chamberlains (of whom Fortunatus was one) he had a design secretly to have them gelded, which when Fortunatus heard, he was much struck and amazed, and therefore desires this old fellow (Robert) to tell him how he might convey himself away with speed out of the city undiscovered: Robert was glad to hear of this, and answered, you know that the gates of the city are shut, and there is no going out till morning. Then said Fortunatus, I had rather wander as a
