Many a furtive glance was thrown at the king, for no one dared openly
to regard him as he approached the forester's fair granddaughter. But
he tarried only a moment beside her, chucked her under the chin, and,
whispering a word or two in her ear that heightened her blushes,
passed on to the spot where the two jesters were standing.
"What dost thou here, knave?" he said to Will Sommers.
"I might rather ask that question of your majesty," replied Will; "and I
would do so but that I require not to be told"
"I have come to see what passeth in my household," replied the king,
throwing himself into the chair lately occupied by the chief cook. "Ah,
Hob and Nob, my merry rascals," he cried, patting the turnspits, who
ran towards him and thrust their noses against his hand, " ye are as
gamesome and loving as ever, I see. Give me a manchet for them,
Master Cook, and let not the proceedings in the kitchen be stayed for
my presence. I would not have my supper delayed, or the roasts
spoiled, for any false ceremony. And now, Will, what hast thou to say
that thou lookest so hard at me?"
"I have a heavy charge to bring against this knave, an' please your
majesty," replied Will Sommers, pointing to Patch.
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