There was a pen in my hand, and paper before me on the table, and likewise a jug of good ale, for I always find that the awen is most prodigal of her favours when a jug of good ale is before me.

All of a sudden my wife came running up, and told me that Sir Richard was below, and wanted to speak to me.

'Tell him to walk up,' said I.

'Are you mad ?' said my wife.

'Don't you know who Sir Richard is ?' 'I do,' said I, 'a baronet is a baronet, but a bard is a bard.