Page:History of Jack of Newbury.pdf/14

14 so he and his servants went out into the open fields, and finding a field of pismires he drew his sword and guarded it.

The King coming by, sent for him to know the reason why he guarded that place with his sword drawn, the King in person being to pass by there? He immediately returned for answer, That he was busy, and could not speak with him, and as the King is on horseback, and I am on foot, he may the better come to me: tell the King that I stand here to guard these laborious ants from their enemies.

Which message being carried to the King, he went to Jack of Newbury, expecting that it was done to make some jest for his pleasure; and when the King came, Jack with all his men fell upon their knees, and cried, God save the King! for your sacred Majesty, quoth Jack of Newbury, hath vanquished all; your enemies. Now trust me quoth the King, you are stout soldiers to fight against butterflies, and so manfully to withstand such mighty giants

My dread Sovereign, quoth Jack of Newbury, not long ago, in my conceit I saw the most provident nation of ants