That is all one as the duck taketh to water
despite of the hen that hath hatched her. Well, it was not
to be thought that Upmeads would hold you lords much longer.
Or what is gone with my lords your brethren?"
Said Ralph: "They have departed at all adventure, north, east,
and west, each bearing our father's blessing and a bag of pennies.
And to speak the truth, goodman, for I perceive I am no
doctor at lying, my father and mother would have me stay
at home when my brethren were gone, and that liketh me not;
therefore am I come out to seek my luck in the world:
for Upmeads is good for a star-gazer, maybe, or a simpler,
or a priest, or a worthy good carle of the fields, but not
for a king's son with the blood running hot in his veins.
Or what sayest thou, gossip?"
Quoth the dame: "I could weep for thy mother; but for thee nought at all.
It is good that thou shouldest do thy will in the season of youth
and the days of thy pleasure. Yea, and I deem that thou shalt come
back again great and worshipful; and I am called somewhat foreseeing.
Only look to it that thou keep the pretty thing that I have just given thee."
"Well," said the chapman, "this is fine talk about pleasure and
the doing of one's will; nevertheless a whole skin is good wares,
though it be not to be cheapened in any market of the world.
Now, lord, go thou where thou wilt, whether I say go or abide;
and forsooth I am no man of King Peter's, that I should stay thee.
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