Page:History of the four Kings of Canterbury, Colchester, Cornwall, and Cumberland.pdf/3



NOT to detain the reader with many words to little purpose, I shall only here observe, that Tom Hodge, with the rest of his old companions, belonging to the school of Cockermouth, were walking on a very pleasant morning in May, and having tired themselves with pranks and intrigues, towards evening they sat themselves down on a green bunk, beneath a lovely oak, where they agreed amongst themselves, that every one should tell a Tale, or pay a fine; and because Tom was the eldest scholar, it was concluded and agreed upon that he should begin first.

Says Tom, with all my heart, So I'll begin my part.