“Nay, is that true?”

“Yes; only those above them call them so.”

“Then must I try again.

I will call him villein.”

“No-no; for he may be a freeman.”

“Ah — so. Then peradventure I should call him goodman.”

“That would answer, your grace, but it would be still better if you said friend, or brother.”

“Brother! — to dirt like that?”

“Ah, but we are pretending to be dirt like that, too.”

“It is even true. I will say it. Brother, bring a seat, and thereto what cheer ye have, withal. Now ’tis