Write also that Fulke himself is sick to death of a dropsy . '' ' `` Nay ! '' cried Fulke , hanging in the well-shaft . `` Drown me out of hand , but do not make a jest of me . '' ' `` Jest ? I ? '' said De Aquila . `` I am but fighting for life and lands with a pen , as thou hast shown me , Fulke . '' ` Then Fulke groaned , for he was cold , and , `` Let me confess , '' said he . ' `` Now , this is right neighbourly , '' said De Aquila , leaning over the shaft . `` Thou hast read my sayings and doings -- or at least the first part of them -- and thou art minded to repay me with thy own doings and sayings . Take pen and inkhorn , Gilbert . Here is work that will not irk thee . '' ' `` Let my men go without hurt , and I will confess my treason against the King , '' said Fulke . ' `` Now , why has he grown so tender of his men of a sudden ? '' said Hugh to me ; for Fulke had no name for mercy to his men . Plunder he gave them , but pity , none . ' `` Té ! Té ! '' said De Aquila .
`` Thy treason was all confessed long ago by XXXXX .
Aquila Fulke Gilbert Hugh King Té dropsy inkhorn right well-shaft