"If thou beest a true man," then quoth the miller, "I sweare by my toll-dish, I'll lodge thee all night." "Here's my hand," quoth the king; "that was I ever." "Nay, soft," quoth the miller, "thou may'st be a sprite. Better I'll know thee, ere hands we will shake; 35 With none but honest men hands will I take." Thus they went all along unto the millers house, Where they were seething of puddings and souse; The miller first enter'd in, after him went the king; Never came hee in soe smoakye a house. 40 "Now," quoth hee, "let me see here what you are:" Quoth the king, "Looke your fill, and doe not spare." "I like well thy countenance, thou hast an honest face: With my son Richard this night thou shalt lye." Quoth his wife, "By my troth, it is a handsome youth, 45 Yet it's best, husband, to deal warilye. Art thou no run-away, prythee, youth, tell? Shew me thy passport, and all shal be well." Then our king presentlye, making lowe courtesye, With his hatt in his hand, thus he did say; 50 "I have no passport, nor never was servitor, But a poor courtyer, rode out of my way: And for your kindness here offered to mee, I will requite you in everye degree." Then to the miller his wife whisper'd secretlye, 55 Saying, "It seemeth, this youth's of good kin, Both by his apparel, and eke by his manners; To turne him out, certainlye were a great sin." "Yea," quoth hee, "you may see he hath some grace, When he doth speake to his betters in place." 60 "Well," quo' the millers wife, "young man, ye're welcome here; And, though I say it, well lodged shall be: Fresh straw will I have laid on thy bed so brave, And good brown hempen sheets likewise," quoth shee. "Aye," quoth the good man; "and when that is done, 65 Thou shalt lye with no worse than our own sonne." "Nay, first," quoth Richard, "good-fellowe, tell me true, Hast thou noe creepers within thy gay hose? Or art thou not troubled with the scabbado?" "I pray," quoth the king, "what creatures are those?" 70 "Art thou not lowsy nor scabby?" quoth he: "If thou beest, surely thou lyest not with mee." This caus'd the king, suddenlye, to laugh most heartilye, Till the teares trickled fast downe from his eyes. Then to their supper were they set orderlye, 75 With hot bag-puddings, and good apple-pyes; Nappy ale, good and stale, in a browne bowle, Which did about the board merrilye trowle.