"
"John," the King sternly replied, "the loyal service you have done us
is considerable, whereas your excuse for kidnapping Davie is a farce.
Hey, Almerigo, do you and Chandos avoid the chamber! I have something
in private with this fellow." When they had gone, the King sat down
and composedly said, "Now tell me the truth, John Copeland."
"Sire," Copeland began, "it is necessary you first understand I bear a
letter from Madame Philippa--"
"Then read it," said the King. "Heart of God! have I an eternity to
waste on you slow-dealing Brabanters!"
John Copeland read aloud, while the King trifled with a pen, half
negligent, and in part attendant.
Read John Copeland:
"My DEAR LORD,--_recommend me to your lordship with soul and body and
all my poor might, and with all this I thank you, as my dear lord,
dearest and best beloved of all earthly lords I protest to me, and
thank you, my dear lord, with all this as I say before. Your
comfortable letter came to me on Saint Gregory's day, and I was never
so glad as when I heard by your letter that ye were strong enough in
Ponthieu by the grace of God for to keep you from your enemies.
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