Of Master Richard's speaking with the King's Grace: and how he was
taken for it


_Et nunc reges intelligite: erudimini qui judicatis terram._

And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, ye that judge the
earth.--_Ps. ii. 10._


VI


They searched Master Richard for weapons, in spite of what he had said,
when they had him alone in a little chamber off the King's closet, but
not unkindly, after what had been ordered, but they found nothing
beneath the white kirtle save the white skin, and nothing in the burse
but the book of hours and a little pen-knife, and the bottle of Quinte
Essence. One of them held that up, and demanded what it was.

"That is the cordial called Quinte Essence," said Master Richard,
smiling.

They thought it to be a poison, so he was forced to explain that it was
not.

"It is made from man's blood," he said, "which is the most perfect part
of our being, and does miracles if it is used aright."