Page:Comical history of the king & the cobler.pdf/8



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At which speech of the cobler's the king laughed, and told him he would be mindful and follow his directions.

Whereupon the cobler kindled up a                  fire, and fetched out a brown loaf, from which he cut a lusty toast, which he                  sat baking at the fire; then  he brought out his Chesire cheese. Now, says he, there is as much fellowship in eating as                  in drinking:

Which made the king admire the honest freedom of the cobler. So hav- ing eaten a bit. the cobler began, A                  health to all true hearts and merry companions; at which the king smiled, saying, Friend, I'll pledge thee.

In this manner they ate and drank together till it was almost break of                  day; the cobler being very free, of his liquor, and delighting the king with several of his old stories, insomuch. that he was highly, pleased with the manner of his entertainment; when,