Pagina 324 van 788

But then the Judge spoke up, pouring out a beaker:-

"I drink the health of Robak; Seneschal, clink your glass with

mine. If we cannot enrich the Alms-Gatherer with a gift, we will

at least try to pay him for his powder; we promise solemnly that

the bear killed this day in the wood shall suffice the cloister

kitchen for two years. But the skin I will not give to the Monk;

I will either take it by force or the Monk must yield it to me

through humility, or I will buy it, though it cost me the pelts

of ten sables. Of that skin we will dispose according to our

will; the first crown and glory the servant of God has already

received, the hide His Excellency the Chamberlain shall give to

him who has deserved the second reward."