7 very welcome because he was a merry companion, and charged, him not to for- get his name, and to ask any one for him about the court, and they would soon bring him to him; for, said the King, I am very well known there.
Now the cobler little dreamt that he
was the king that spake to him, much less that the king’s name was Harry Tudor. Therefore, with a great deal, of confidence, he stands up and puts off his hat, makes two or three scrapes with his foot, and gives the king many thanks, also telling him, that he was one of the most honest fellows he ever met with in all his lifetime, and although he had never been at Court, yet he should not be long before he would make a holiday to come and see him.
Whereupon the king paying for what
they had drunk, would have taken his leave of the cobler; who, not being willing to part with him, took hold of his hand, and said, By my faith you must not go, you shall first go and see my poor habitation, I have there a tub of good brown ale that was never tapped yet, and you must go and taste it, for you are the most honest blade I ever met withal, and I love an honest merry com- panion with all my heart.
