"Marry, I make no such serious thoughts upon the matter.

I eat when I can get it, and munch my crust when I can get no crumb; likewise, when there is no ale to be had I wash the dust from out my throat with a trickle of cold water.

I was sitting here, as thou camest upon me, bethinking myself whether I should break my fast or no.

I do love to let my hunger grow mightily keen ere I eat, for then a dry crust is as good to me as a venison pasty with suet and raisins is to stout King Harry.

I have a sharp hunger upon me now, but methinks in a short while it will ripen to a right mellow appetite." "Now, in good sooth," quoth merry Robin, laughing, "thou hast a quaint tongue betwixt thy teeth.