“True, true — I had forgot. Thou teachest me in private — then if I fail, he argueth that thy office was lamely done, and — ”

“Oh, my liege, what words are these?

I, the humblest of thy servants, presume to teach thee?”

“Then where is thy blame? What riddle is this? Am I in truth gone mad, or is it thou? Explain — speak out.”

“But, good your Majesty, there’s nought that needeth simplifying. — None may visit the sacred person of the Prince of Wales with blows; wherefore, when he faulteth, ’tis I that take them; and meet it is and right, for that it is mine office and my livelihood.” {1}

Tom stared at the tranquil boy, observing to himself,