Presently he said, with something of hope in his voice-- "Perchance he is but mad upon this one strain, and hath his wits unmarred as toucheth other matter.

God send it may be so! We will make trial." Then he asked Tom a question in Latin, and Tom answered him lamely in the same tongue.

The lords and doctors manifested their gratification also.
The King said-- "'Twas not according to his schooling and ability, but showeth that his mind is but diseased, not stricken fatally.

How say you, sir ?" The physician addressed bowed low, and replied-- "It jumpeth with my own conviction, sire, that thou hast divined aright." The King looked pleased with this encouragement, coming as it did from so excellent authority, and continued with good heart-- "Now mark ye all: we will try him further." He put a question to Tom in French.

Tom stood silent a moment, embarrassed by having so many eyes centred upon him, then said diffidently-- "I have no knowledge of this tongue, so please your majesty." The King fell back upon his couch.