"I own a parrot which my great-grandfather inherited from his great-grandfather, who was hair-dresser to Henry the Fourth, and which to-day still sings with the same volubility as he did a hundred years ago: 'Long live the king! long live this paragon of virtue, sweetness, beauty, and mercy! Long live the king!' He has cried this for hundreds of years, and he has repeated it for Henry the Fifth and Henry the Sixth, for Henry the Seventh and Henry the Eighth! And wonderful, the kings have changed, but the song of praise has always been appropriate, and has ever been only the simple truth! Just like yours, my Lord Douglas! Your majesty may depend upon it, he speaks the truth, for he is near akin to my parrot, which always calls him 'My cousin,' and has taught him his immortal song of praise to kings." The king laughed, while Earl Douglas cast at John Heywood a sharp, spiteful look.
"He is an impudent imp, is he not, Douglas ?" said the king.
"He is a fool!" replied he, with a shrug.
"Exactly, and therefore I just now told you the truth.

For you know children and fools speak the truth.

And I became a fool just on this account, that the king, whom you all deceive by your lies, may have about him some creature, besides his looking-glass, to tell him the truth." "Well, and what truth will you serve up for me today ?" "It is already served, your majesty.

So lay aside for a little your regal crown and your high priesthood, and conclude to be for awhile a carnivorous beast.

It is very easy to become a king.