"
They entered together accordingly.
"What said our patron and these great folks together?" said Jonas
Schwanker to his companion, the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, who had used the
freedom to press nigh to his master when the Council was
dismissed, while the jester waited at a more respectful distance.
"Servant of Folly," said the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, "moderate thy
curiosity; it beseems not that I should tell to thee the counsels
of our master."
"Man of wisdom, you mistake," answered Jonas. "We are both the
constant attendants on our patron, and it concerns us alike to
know whether thou or I--Wisdom or Folly--have the deeper interest
in him."
"He told to the Marquis," answered the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, "and to
the Grand Master, that he was aweary of these wars, and would be
glad he was safe at home."
"That is a drawn cast, and counts for nothing in the game," said
the jester; "it was most wise to think thus, but great folly to
tell it to others--proceed."
"Ha, hem!" said the SPRUCH-SPRECHER; "he next said to them that
Richard was not more valorous than others, or over-dexterous in
the tilt-yard.
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