When you remember, sire, that England's weal depends solely and alone on the weal of her king, and that you must be and remain healthy, that your people, likewise may be healthy." The king smiled with satisfaction.

It never came into his head to doubt the earl's words.

It seemed to him perfectly natural that the weal of his people depended on his person; but yet it was always a lofty and beautiful song, and he loved to have his courtiers repeat it.
The king, as we have said, smiled, but there was something unusual in that smile, which did not escape the earl.
"He is in the condition of a hungry anaconda," said Earl Douglas to himself.

"He is on the watch for prey, and he will be bright and lively again just as soon as he has tasted a little human flesh and blood.

Ah, luckily we are well supplied in that way.