If he was a timeserver and leagued with my Lord Warwick's faction in the Company, he was a jovial sinner.

Traveler and student, much of a philosopher, more of a wit, and boon companion to any beggar with a pottle of ale,--while the drink lasted,--we might look askance at his dealings, but we liked his company passing well.

If he took half a poor rustic's crop for his fee, he was ready enough to toss him sixpence for drink money; and if he made the tenants of the lands allotted to his office leave their tobacco uncared for whilst they rowed him on his innumerable roving expeditions up creeks and rivers, he at least lightened their labors with most side-splitting tales, and with bottle songs learned in a thousand taverns.
"After to-morrow there'll be more interesting news to write," he announced.

"You're a bold man, Captain Percy." He looked at me out of the corners of his little twinkling eyes.

I sat and smoked in silence.
"The King begins to dote upon him," he said; "leans on his arm, plays with his hand, touches his cheek.