Hungerford town I was advanced so far, and bestrode my old grey so
easily, that in gratitude I offer'd him supper and bed at an inn, if
he would but buy a new coat: to which he agreed, saying that the
world was good.

By this, the day was clouded over and the rain coming down apace. So
that as soon as my comrade was decently array'd at the first
slopshop we came to, 'twas high time to seek an inn. We found
quarters at "The Horn," and sought the travelers' room, and a fire
to dry ourselves.

In this room, at the window, were two men who look'd lazily up at
our entrance. They were playing at a game, which was no other than
to race two snails up a pane of glass and wager which should prove
the faster.

"A wet day!" said my comrade, cheerfully.

The pair regarded him. "I'll lay you a crown it clears within the
hour!" said one.

"And I another," put in the other; and with that they went back to
their sport.

Drawing near, I myself was soon as eager as they in watching the
snails, when my companion drew my notice to a piece of writing on
the window over which they were crawling. 'Twas a set of verses
scribbled there, that must have been scratch'd with a diamond: and
to my surprise--for I had not guess'd him a scholar--he read them
out for my benefit. Thus the writing ran, for I copied it later: