for all his red nose. Tickle me Toby, and I'll tickle thee!
Venerable Dennis too is named; none in his conscience can say
nay. There are now Six on our List. "Well," said the King,
"they have done it swiftly, they! _Deus est cum eis."_ The
Monks withdraw again; and Majesty revolves, for a little, with
his _Pares_ and _Episcopi,_ Lords or _'Law-wards'_* and Soul-
Overseers, the thoughts of the royal breast. The Monks wait
silent in an outer room.

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* or "Lawyers"--digital editor
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In short while, they are next ordered, To add yet another three;
but not from their own Convent; from other Convents, "for the
honour of my kingdom." Here,--what is to be done here? We will
demur, if need be! We do name three, however, for the nonce:
the Prior of St. Faith's, a good Monk of St. Neot's, a good Monk
of St. Alban's; good men all; all made abbots and dignitaries
since, at this hour. There are now Nine upon our List. What the
thoughts of the Dominus Rex may be farther? The Dominus Rex,
thanking graciously, sends out word that we shall now strike off
three. The three strangers are instantly struck off. Willelmus
Sacrista adds, that he will of his own accord decline,--a touch
of grace and respect for the _Sacrosancta,_ even in Willelmus!
The King then orders us to strike off a couple more; then yet
one more: Hugo Third-Prior goes, and Roger _Cellerarius,_ and
venerable Monk Dennis;--and now there remain on our List two
only, Samson Subsacrista and the Prior.