Why, he doth look to be a good scullion, whereas when he is clad
as the king's spy, he looketh a very poor spy; and he doth act the part
moreover very lamentably. We had come badly off had he been as good a
spy as he is a scullion."
"Ay, and had he been less drunken," said Hugo.
"Thou hast well said, lad," agreed Humphrey. "Let a man that would have
ill success in what he undertaketh but befuddle his wit with drink, and
ill success he will have, and that in good measure. And the scorn and
contempt of his fellows, moreover, even as hath this little spy."
"And yet," observed Hugo, thoughtfully, "it were hard to find a man who
is not at some time drunken."
"Hadst thou that from thine uncle, the prior?" asked Humphrey, quickly.
"Or didst thou gain it from thine own very ancient experience?"
"Now I have angered thee," said Hugo, frankly.
"Yea, lad, thou hast. This is a time of great drinking, that I know;
but never have I seen my lord drunken. And never hath any man seen me
drunken, nor my father, nor my grandsire. There be ever enough sober
ones in the worst of times to keep the world right side uppermost.
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