1666.] THE KING AXD THE WORCESTERSHIRE BART. 259 



in your hand ? Some token, I suppose, by which you 

 hold your lands.' — Sir Thomas. ' No ; 'tis something 

 by which your Majesty holds your lands. 'Tis a 

 branch of that blessed oak which preserved your 

 Majesty's precious life.' — The King. 'This is a wooden 

 compliment ; but it is honest, and I thank you for it. 

 You have wit, Sir Thomas ; why do not we see you 

 oftener at court ? ' — Sir Thomas. ' I can do your 

 Majesty much more service in the country, by keeping 

 up a spirit of loyalty and good will towards my neigh- 

 bours.' — The King. ' And how do you manage that 

 point ? ' — Sir Thomas. ' I give them beef, and bid 

 them fall to without the long grace of the Roundheads. 

 Then I give 'em strong beer, and they cry " God bless 

 your Majesty."' — 77ie Kijig. ' If that is the toast. Sir 

 Thomas, you are the king ; and, in truth, I think you 

 govern with profound policy. Could I adopt the same 

 measures, I should have much less trouble ; but there 

 is no finding beef enough for that hungry circle which 

 you see here.' — Sir Thomas. ' God bless your Majesty ! 

 I have ten fat oxen in Worcestershire, and nine of 



them are heartily at your Majesty's service ' 



This bountiful offer," continues the chevalier, " of the 

 honest baronet made the king laugh so violently 

 that it put an end to the conversation. His Majesty 

 told us, with great humour, what we had to expect, and 

 added, that he hoped every member of the House 

 would be as ready to give as Sir Thomas, that he 

 might be able to find wine for the feast. This is a 

 measure which I will promote with all my power ; for 

 the king's necessities are truly deplorable. Consider- 



