vagabond, than to be so served. Then said Robert, I am sorry that I told thee of these things, since I shall now lose thy good' company. Fortunatns desired Robert by all means to conceal his departure, and then being in much trouble of mind, he at break of day departed, taking his journey on horseback, with hounds following him, little mistrusting Robert’s treachery. When Fortunatus had rode ten miles, he bought him another, and sent home the Earl’s horse, with the hounds, that he should have no occasion to pursue him. But when the Earl understood that Fortunatus was departed without his leave, not knowing the cause, he was offended, and so demanded of his servants whether they knew any occasion, which they all denied: then he went to the ladies and gentlewomen, and enquired of them if they knew any occasion of his departure, which they said they did not. Then said the Earl, tho’ the cause of his departure is concealed from me, yet I know that Fortunatus is not fled without some cause for which I shall sharply be revenged on them that were the cause thereof.
