So I have done the best I can For lack of some more learned man. Good King Hilary Said to his Chancellor (Proud Lord Willoughby, Lord High Chancellor): “Run to the wicket-gate Quickly, quickly, Run to the wicket-gate And see who is knocking. It may be a rich man, Sea-borne from Araby, Bringing me peacocks, Emeralds and ivory; It may be a poor man, Travel-worn and weary, Bringing me oranges To put in my stocking.” Proud Lord Willoughby, Lord High Chancellor, Laughed both loud and free:* “I’ve served Your Majesty, man to man, Since first Your Majesty’s reign began, And I’ve often walked, but I never, never ran, Never, never, never,” quoth he. Good King Hilary Said to his Chancellor (Proud Lord Willoughby, Lord High Chancellor): “Walk to the wicket-gate Quickly, quickly, Walk to the wicket-gate And see who is knocking. It may be a captain, Hawk-nosed, bearded, Bringing me gold-dust, Spices, and sandalwood: It may be a scullion, Care-free, whistling, Bringing me sugar-plums To put in my stocking.”
