"We'll drink a cup with the gentleman if he wishes it!" "You'll drink or be pricked!" quoth Messer Grio; he was one of those who grow offensive in their cups.

And while his friends laughed, he swished out a sword of huge length, and flourished it.

"Ca! Ca! Now let me see any man refuse his liquor!" The landlord groaned, but thinking apparently that soonest broken was soonest mended, he vanished, to return in a marvellously short space of time with four tall glasses and a flask of Neuchatel.

"'Tis good wine," he muttered anxiously.

"Good wine, gentlemen, I warrant you.