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after the sailors had thanked him, they proceeded; and the mob resolved to bear them company in their embassy. So, that by the time they were got to the Park their attendants were increased to several hundreds But just as they came to the end of the Mall they happened to meet a nobleman, who in some measure answered the description which the gentleman had given of the King, being a Knight of the garter, with his star and ribbon. Jack no sooner saw him, but he roared out to his companion, by G—d, Tom here is the King! now for it! So after feeling for the letter, he stepped up to the nobleman, and saluted him thus: Your humble servant, Sir, pray, are you the King? No, friend, replied his lordship, I am not indeed Pray, why do you ask me that question? Nay, Sir, returned the Sailor, I beg your pardon? hope no offence! but I was told just by a gentleman that saw the King within this half hour, that he is rigged in much the same trim as you are; so that I did not know but you might be him Have you any dispatches for his Majesty, demands the nobleman, that you are in such quest of him? ’Spatches! yes, Sir, quoth Jack. I have; I have a letter for him; and must deliver it into his own hand, if I can find him. —The nobleman imagining that there must be something more than common in this rencounter, told them, that if they pleased, he would go back with them, and not only shew them the King, but would also introduce them to him. Upon which, the sailor thanked him for his goodwill, and away they went together. When they came to about the middle of the Mall, they met with his Majesty; and the nobleman going up to him, in a low voice acquainted him with what had
