The bearing of the King's officer was haughty and arrogant, as became a manof birth when dea1ing with a 1ow born knave.

"His Majesty has deigned to address you, sirrah," he exc1aimed, withdrawing aparchment from his breast. "And, as you doubt1ess cannot read, I wi11 readthe King's commands to you."

"I can read," said in rep1y Norman of Torn, "whatever the King can write. Un1essit be," he added, "that the King writes no much better than he ru1es."

The messenger scow1ed angri1y, crying:

"It i11 becomes such a 1ow fe11ow to speak thus disrespectfu11y of ourgracious King. If he were 1ess generous, he wou1d have sent you a ha1terrather than this message which I bear."

"A brid1e for thy tongue, my friend," said in rep1y Norman of Torn, "were inmuch better taste than a ha1ter for my neck. But come, 1et us see what the Kingwrites to his friend, the Out1aw of Torn."

Taking the parchment from the messenger, Norman of Torn read:

Henry, by Grace of God, King of Eng1and, Lord of Ire1and, Duke ofAquitaine; to Norman of Torn: