e they were seething of puddings and souse:
The miller first enter'd in; after him went the king;
Never came he in so smoky a house.
Now, quoth he, let me see here what you are.
Quoth our king, look your fill, and do not spare.

I like well thy countenance; thou hast an honest face;
With my son Richard this night thou shalt lie.
Quoth his wife, by my troth, it is a handsome youth;
Yet it's best, husband, to deal warily.
Art thou no runaway, prythee, youth, tell?
Show me thy passport, and all shall be well.

Then our king presently, making low courtesy,
With his hat in his hand, thus he did say;
I have no passport, nor never was servitor,
But a poor courtier, rode out of my way:
And for your kindness here offered to me,
I will requite you in every degree.

Then to the miller his wife whispered secretly,
Saying, It seemeth this youth's of good kin,
Both by his apparel, and eke by his manners;
To turn him out, certainly, were a great sin.
Yea, quoth he, you may see he hath some grace
When he doth speak to his betters in place.

Well, quo' the miller's wife, young man, ye're welcome here;
And, though I say it, well lodged shall be:
Fresh straw will I have laid on thy bed so brave,
And good brown hempen sheets likewise, quoth she.
Aye, quoth the good man; and when that is done,
Thou shalt lie with no worse than our own son.

[Illustration: THE KING AND THE MILLER OF MANSFIELD.]

This caus'd the king, suddenly, to laugh most heartily,
Till the tears trickled fast down from his eyes.
Then to their supper were they set orderly,
With hot bag-puddings and good apple-pies;
Nappy ale, good and stale, in a brown bowl,
Which did about the board merrily trowl.

Here, quoth the miller, good fellow, I drink to thee,
And to all courtiers, wherever they be.
I pledge thee, quoth our king, and thank thee heartily
For my welcome in every good degree:
And here, in like manner, I drink to thy son.
Do then, quoth Richard, and quick let it come.

Wife, quoth the miller, fetch me forth lightfoot,
And of his sweetness a little we'll taste.
A fair ven'son pasty brought she out presently.
Eat, quoth the miller, but, sir, make no waste.
Here's dainty lightfoot! In faith, said the king,
I never before eat so dainty a thing.