* Observe that I merely imagine Sir John Falstaff to have said he had visited Spain. The annals of that country afford no trace of his presence at any period of history. “Nay, sir--no further off than Clements’ Inn. I was reading the law when you were page to Sir Thomas Mowbray--father to--” “Him whose father’s son I now march against. The chances of war have so willed it. By our Lady, I know the trick of your face--well.--Nay, if you will an’ it be another of the same.--‘Tis excellent, i’ faith. And you have thriven well in your calling, Master----?” “Doit--Thomas Doit, to serve you, Sir John.” “The name was at my tongue’s end. Of Oxford, as I think?” “Of Stafford, sir.” “Stafford, I would have said. A new health to you, Master Doit. Why we are boys again. I would I needed a lawyer for your sake. But a trusty knave (no offence to the calling, sir) cares well for my estate--and to displace an old servant--” “Nay, sir. I have enough--enough, sir. The world has dealt kindly by me. I have a snug home, with a crust and flagon for a friend. My boys and maidens are well cared for. I labour now but for pastime.” “Say you so, Master--Joit. We must be better acquainted. And yet that can hardly be with old friends like us.” “You have grown great since then, Sir John.” “An old man, sir, and still plain Sir John! Those were brave times, Master Quoit.” “Will you recall them with me, Sir John, over a supper? I have a more potent voice in the kitchen here than many of the Prince’s gentlemen.” “I would have asked you, Master--ahem?--Thomas. But, be it as you will, sir, so that we part not company. We have seen nights together, sir!” “And days, Sir John! It is a boast of mine that I witnessed your first great feat of arms.” “Aye, indeed? Which call you that?” “Have you forgotten cudgelling Skogan, the rhymer, at the Court Gate?” “Skogan! To be sure. Why now I have it all! You were the brave fellow that fought the fishmonger on the same day! or a tanner’s man--which was it? Talk not of my deeds after that, Master Thomas. I think I see him now with his skull cleft. Why John of Gaunt, Gloucester, and the old King himself, all lauded your prowess, sir. I rose in court esteem through knowing you.” At this, I can conjecture Master Thomas Doit would throw himself back in his chair and laugh till the tears streamed down his merry, wrinkled cheeks. “Ha! ha! ha! Why this is most excellent! See how well you know me, Sir John, with all your friendship and remembrance. I thought not to live sixty-nine years to be taken for such a gull as lean Bob Shallow!” “Shallow!”