ween his two sons, Ferrex and Porrex. Some of his
councillors advised 'Yes,' and some said 'No,' but the old king was
decided upon having his own way, and the land had just been divided
between them."

"Get on," said the baron impatiently, as the other paused and finally
came to a dead stop. "They are beginning to act again."

"And one of the old councillors strongly advised the king to keep his
realm entire," continued the man, "I remember his very words. He told
the king how bad any division would be, not only for himself, but also
for his sons. He says:--

But worst of all for this our native land.
Within one land one single rule is best,
Divided reigns do make divided hearts,
But peace preserves the country and the prince."

"As correct as the creed itself," whispered Sir Nicholas.

"It may be so," exclaimed the young knight, "but we will let the
poetry go. For my part I can't understand that new-fashioned poetry,
and I don't want to either. I only like it when it rhymes, like
Chaucer."

"That all means," resumed the landlord, "that Queen Mary of Scotland
had far better leave our gracious Queen Elizabeth (God bless her)
to herself. We don't want Roman Catholic princesses here again, Sir
Nicholas."

"No, indeed not. Mary was enough."

Sir George Vernon frowned heavily. He was too sincere a Papist himself
to relish such remarks, but he dared not show his displeasure in the
face of the Queen's minister.

"And I don't care for poetry anyhow," he gruffly said, "so finish
without any more of it if you can."

"I will then. You saw those two mugs offered to the king?"

"Both made of common horn, yes."

"They both came from my bar. One was full of wine, but the other held
water."

"Then when my sack comes I would prefer it without the water," Sir
Thomas replied, amid a chorus of laughter.

"You exercise your wit upon me, my lord," replied the landlord with
some asperity, "but I have not the means wherewith to retort. I am a
man of business, not a Court fool." Here he paused, astonished at his
own trepidity, and also in fear lest his aristocratic customers should
be offended. As he stopped his virtuous indignation passed away, and
when he resumed again it was in a tone at once apologetic and placid.

"The water," he continued, "was offered by the good councillors, but
Gorboduc took the poison, and now he has drunk it off, so----"

"Look at your prisoner," interrupted Sir Nicholas, "or very soon y