Page:Comical history of the king and the cobbler (1).pdf/8

 8 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 cobbler. So having eaten a bit the cobbler 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 cobbler being very free with 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, on a sudden, the cobbler's wife Joan began to awake. I'faith, says the cobbler, you must begone, my wife Joan begings to grumble, she'll awake presently, and I would not for half the shoes in my shop she should find you here.

Then taking the king by the hand, he led him up the stairs, saying, farewell honest friend, it shan't be long before I make a holyday to come and see thee at court.