Page:Merry and entertaining history of the king and the cobler.pdf/21

 into another room, there to conſult about finiſhing the comical adventure.

OW it is to be noted that the King had told the ſecretary of ſtate, that he would ſend hit royal ſignet to him wrapped up, by a meſſenger whom he ſhould ſecure in order for him to give an accounts upon examination, how he came by it. Wherefore he preſently calls for pen, Ink and paper, and writes the letter, within which he incloſed the ſignet aforeſaid, and having directed the letter, the deſired the cobler to carry it, who was very ready to ſerve him. Now'Joan was reſolved to go with him, and did, becauſe the would keep him from being drunk. Now they were no ſooner gone, but the King called for the reckoning and paid for it. He and his Queen went privately by water to their palace, where they pulled off their diſguiſe, and appeared in their royal apparel; the King with his nobles and the Queen with her maids of honour. Now, by this time, the cobler and this wife deſerve the letter, to the ſecretary, who upon opening the ſame, ſeeming to ſtartle, and with a frowning countenance fold, behold here is the King's ſignet. How came you by it?

Why, ſays the cobler, I had the letter, and what was it I know not, only I had it from a tanner.

The ſecretary replied, if you do not find the tanner out, take my word for it, we ſhall make an example of you.

Why quoth Joan, you won't hang my huſband, will you?

Quoth the ſecretary, it will go hard with him, If he don't find the tanner.

I'll go fetch him, quoth Joan. But coming to the fun and finding the inner gone,