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"Comrades," said he, "we have made a good day's work; and I think we had best return to Compiegne, and spend the money this good Christian hath given us. It is a long time since we have had a carousal; and now we have enough to enjoy ourselves completely, let us think of nothing but pleasure."
On their arrival in town, they heard a cry of "Good wine!—wine of Soisons!—wine of Auxerre!—fish and good fare! Walk in gentlemen; pray walk in."
They would not go any farther, but entered the first house; and after having cautioned the people not to judge of their means by their outward appearance, (in the tone of men who derive eonfidence from the weight of their purse,) they desired that they might be served quickly and well.
Nicholas (for that was the name of the landlord) being used sometimes to see persons of their vocation spend more than such as appear to be much more in affluent circumstances, received them respectfully. He showed them into his best dining-room; begged they would be seated, and order what they liked best; assuring them that there was nothing in Compiegne but what he could set before them, and in a style that would give them perfect satisfaetion.
They desired that plenty of good things might be got ready; and instantly, master, waiter, maid, all in the house set about it. A neighbour was even sent for to assist.
At length, by virtue of several hands and good speed, they eontrived to serve up a good dinner of five dishes; and immediately the beggars sat down to it, laughing, singing, drinking to each other, and diverting themselves with elumsy jokes on the simple traveller who was at the expense of the feast.
He had followed them with his valet to the inn, and was within hearing of the merriment. He even resolved, that he might not lose any part of it, to dine and sup in a snug manner with the landlord. The beggars all this while oeeupied the best room, and were waited on like noblemen. Their mirth was thus prolonged till the night was pretty far advanced, when, to make a suitable elose to so jovial a day, they each called for a bed, and went to rest.
The next morning the landlord, who wanted to get rid of them, sent his servant to call them up. When they were come down stairs, he made out their bill, which amounted to tenpence. That was the moment the mischievous churchman so impatiently expected. To enjoy the transaction more at his ease, he came and posted himself in a corner of the room, but without showing himself, lest his presence might be a restraint on the guests.
