Page:History of the four kings of Canterbury, Colchester, Cornwall, & Cumberland (2).pdf/2

 2 Τ Η Ε P R E F A C E.

NOT to detain the reader, with many words to little purpose; 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 fat themselves down on a green bank, beneath a lovely oak, where they agreed amongst themselves, that every on should tell a Tale, let a, __ or call his Father a Cuckold; 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.