"Very just, sir, very just," nodded Rochester. "Thus by breaking a villainous bargain he is twice a villain, and preserves his reputation to aid him in the more effectual cheating of his neighbour." "And the damning of his own soul," said the King softly. "Your Majesty is Defender of the Faith. I will not meddle with your high office," said Rochester with a laugh. "For my own part I suffer from a hurtful sincerity; being known for a rogue by all the town, I am become the most harmless fellow in your Majesty's dominions. As Mr Dale here says--I have the honour of being acquainted with your name, sir--my basket is empty and no man will deal with me." "There are women left you," said the King. "It is more expense than profit," sighed the Earl. "Although indeed the kind creatures will most readily give for nothing what is worth as much." "So that the sum of the matter," said the King, "is that he who refuses no bargain however iniquitous and performs none however binding----" "Is a king among men, Sir," interposed Rochester with a low bow, "even as your Majesty is here in Whitehall." "And by the same title?" "Ay, the same Right Divine. What think you of my reasoning, Mr Dale?" "I do not know, my lord, whence you came by it, unless the Devil has published a tract on the matter." "Nay, he has but circulated it among his friends," laughed Rochester. "For he is in no need of money from the booksellers since he has a grant from God of the customs of the world for his support." "The King must have the Customs," smiled Charles. "I have them here in England. But the smugglers cheat me." "And the penitents him, Sir. Faith, these Holy Churches run queer cargoes past his officers--or so they say;" and with another bow to the King, and one of equal courtesy to me, he turned away and mingled in the crowd that walked to and fro. The King sat some while silent, lazily pulling the dog's coat with his fingers. Then he looked up at me. "Wild talk, Mr Dale," said he, "yet perhaps not all without a meaning." "There's meaning enough, Sir. It's not that I miss." "No, but perhaps you do. I have made many bargains; you don't praise all of them?" "It's not for me to judge the King's actions." "I wish every man were as charitable, or as dutiful. But--shall I empty my basket? You know of some of my bargains. The basket is not emptied yet." I looked full in his face; he did not avoid my regard, but sat there smiling in a bitter amusement. "You are the man of reservations," said he. "I remember them. Be at peace and hold your place. For listen to me, Mr Dale." "I am listening to your Majesty's words." "It will be time enough for you to open your mouth when I empty my basket."