THE CHRONICLE OF CLEMENDY
ever heedful of that hutch or cupboard of his, the brain; to keep the shelves well-stocked with good fare, duly spiced and seasoned, that he is ever able to draw out a dainty dish and to set it before his friend." "Let us go, let us go," assented Tom Bamfylde, "I warrant we shall return the wiser, and carry back with us more than we brought." "Of that I am not altogether certain," said Nick Leonard, "sometimes it happens so, and sometimes contrariwise, but it is of no great consequence. And now, my merry jokers, what says the wise Hebdomadarius of the Eighth Week" (he was speaking of the "Joyous Inventions" of the monk Calliard) "'Be not dull at sunset when the rain falls and the night comes on, but search for sweet memories through the byways of your brains, be droll and witty, and the devil take him that keeps a sour countenance.' Wherefore let someone tell a tale and strive to match the relation we heard in the forenoon." "You have spoken," said Phil Ambrose, "and you shall devise for us, for it is my part to choose a successor." "So be it then" quoth Nick Leonard, "but first let me sit in the Bardic Chair, that my cervical substance may be fertilised, and bring forth ripe fruit. And do you, Master Rubrican, intone us the Herald's Proclamation, or some chant fit for our occasion, if your plain song be not altogether drowned in Rhenish wine." Then the Rubrican sang as follows: If any speak while these things are being set forth, may he quaff water for the remainder of his days; but when all is done, laugh and drink unto the nail.
