CHAPTERI
Nowcomeyeforpeacehere，orcomeyeforwar？SCOTT。
"Theabbot，inhisalbarrayed，"stoodatthealtarintheabbey-chapelofRubygill，withallhisplump，sleek，rosyfriars，ingoodlylinesdisposed，tosolemnisethenuptialsofthebeautifulMatildaFitzwater，daughteroftheBaronofArlingford，withthenobleRobertFitz-Ooth，EarlofLocksleyandHuntingdon。TheabbeyofRubygillstoodinapicturesquevalley，atalittledistancefromthewesternboundaryofSherwoodForest，inaspotwhichseemedadaptedbynaturetobetheretreatofmonasticmortification，beingonthebanksofafinetrout-stream，andinthemidstofwoodlandcoverts，aboundingwithexcellentgame。Thebride，withherfatherandattendantmaidens，enteredthechapel;buttheearlhadnotarrived。
Thebaronwasamazed，andthebridemaidensweredisconcerted。
Matildafearedthatsomeevilhadbefallenherlover，butfeltnodiminutionofherconfidenceinhishonourandlove。Throughtheopengatesofthechapelshelookeddownthenarrowroadthatwoundalongthesideofthehill;
andherearwasthefirstthatheardthedistanttramplingofhorses，andhereyewasthefirstthatcaughttheglitterofsnowyplumes，andthelightofpolishedspears。"Itisstrange，"thoughtthebaron，"thattheearlshouldcomeinthismartialarraytohiswedding;"
buthehadnotlongtomeditateonthephenomenon，forthefoamingsteedssweptuptothegatelikeawhirlwind，andtheearl，breathlesswithspeed，andfollowedbyafewofhisyeomen，advancedtohissmilingbride。
Itwasthennotimetoaskquestions，fortheorganwasinfullpeal，andthechoristerswereinfullvoice。
Theabbotbegantointonetheceremonyinastyleofmodulationimpressivelyexalted，hisvoiceissuingmostcanonicallyfromtheroofofhismouth，throughthemediumofaverymusicalnosenewlytunedfortheoccasion。
Buthehadnotproceededfarenoughtoexhibitallthevarietyandcompassofthismelodiousinstrument，whenanoisewasheardatthegate，andapartyofarmedmenenteredthechapel。Thesongofthechoristersdiedawayinashakeofdemisemiquavers，contrarytoalltherulesofpsalmody。
Theorgan-blower，whowasworkinghismusicalair-pumpwithonehand，andwithtwofingersandathumboftheotherinsinuatingapeeping-placethroughthecurtainoftheorgan-gallery，wasstruckmotionlessbythedoubleoperationofcuriosityandfear;whiletheorganist，intentonlyonhisperformance，andspreadingallhisfingerstostrikeaswellofmagnificentchords，felthisharmonicspiritreadytodeserthisbodyonbeingansweredbytheghastlyrattleofemptykeys，andintheconsequentagitatofuriosooftheinternalmovementsofhisfeelings，waspreparingtorestoreharmonybytheseguesubitoofanappoggiaturaconfocowiththecornerofabookofanthemsontheheadofhisneglectfulassistant，whenhishandandhisattentiontogetherwerearrestedbythescenebelow。
Thevoiceoftheabbotsubsidedintosilencethroughadescendingscaleoflong-drawnmelody，likethesoundoftheebbingseatotheexplorersofacave。Inafewmomentsallwassilence，interruptedonlybytheirontreadofthearmedintruders，asitrangonthemarblefloorandechoedfromthevaultedaisles。
Theleaderstrodeuptothealtar;andplacinghimselfoppositetotheabbot，andbetweentheearlandMatilda，insuchamannerthatthefourtogetherseemedtostandonthefourpointsofadiamond，exclaimed，"InthenameofKingHenry，Iforbidtheceremony，andattachRobertEarlofHuntingdonasatraitor！"andatthesametimeheheldhisdrawnswordbetweenthelovers，asiftoemblemthatroyalauthoritywhichlaiditstemporalbanupontheircontract。Theearldrewhisownswordinstantly，andstruckdowntheinterposingweapon;thenclaspedhisleftarmroundMatilda，whosprangintohisembrace，andheldhisswordbeforeherwithhisrighthand。
Hisyeomenrangedthemselvesathisside，andstoodwiththeirswordsdrawn，stillandprepared，likemendeterminedtodieinhisdefence。
Thesoldiers，confidentinsuperiorityofnumbers，paused。Theabbottookadvantageofthepausetointroduceawordofexhortation。"Mychildren，"
saidhe，"ifyouaregoingtocuteachother’sthroats，Ientreatyou，inthenameofpeaceandcharity，todoitoutofthechapel。"
"SweetMatilda，"saidtheearl，"didyougiveyourlovetotheEarlofHuntingdon，whoselandstouchtheOuseandtheTrent，ortoRobertFitz-Ooth，thesonofhismother？"
"Neithertotheearlnorhisearldom，"answeredMatildafirmly，"buttoRobertFitz-Oothandhislove。"
"ThatIwellknew，"saidtheearl;"andthoughtheceremonybeincomplete，wearenotthelessmarriedintheeyeofmyonlysaint，ourLady，whowillyetbringustogether。
LordFitzwater，toyourcare，forthepresent，Icommityourdaughter。——Nay，sweetMatilda，partwemustforawhile;
butwewillsoonmeetunderbrighterskies，andbethisthesealofourfaith。"
HekissedMatilda’slips，andconsignedhertothebaron，whogloweredabouthimwithanexpressionofcountenancethatshowedhewasmortallywrothwithsomebody;butwhateverhethoughtorfelthekepttohimself。
Theearl，withasigntohisfollowers，madeasuddenchargeonthesoldiers，withtheintentionofcuttinghiswaythrough。
Thesoldierswerepreparedforsuchanoccurrence，andadesperateskirmishsucceeded。Someofthewomenscreamed，butnoneofthemfainted;
forfaintingwasnotsomuchthefashioninthosedays，whentheladiesbreakfastedonbrawnandaleatsunrise，asinourmorerefinedageofgreenteaandmuffinsatnoon。Matildaseemeddisposedtoflyagaintoherlover，butthebaronforcedherfromthechapel。Theearl’sbowmenatthedoorsentinamongtheassailantsavolleyofarrows，oneofwhichwhizzedpasttheearoftheabbot，who，inmortalfearofbeingsuddenlytranslatedfromaghostlyfriarintoafriarlyghost，begantorolloutofthechapelasfastashisbulkandhisholyrobeswouldpermit，roaring"Sacrilege！"withallhismonksathisheels，whowere，likehimself，moreintenttogoatoncethantostandupontheorderoftheirgoing。Theabbot，thuspressedfrombehind，andstumblingoverhisowndraperybefore，fellsuddenlyprostrateinthedoor-waythatconnectedthechapelwiththeabbey，andwasinstantaneouslyburiedunderapyramidofghostlycarcasses，thatfelloverhimandeachother，andlayarollingchaosofanimatedrotundities，sprawlingandbawlinginunseemlydisarray，andsendingforththenamesofallthesaintsinandoutofheaven，amidsttheclashingofswords，theringingofbucklers，theclatteringofhelmets，thetwangingofbow-strings，thewhizzingofarrows，thescreamsofwomen，theshoutsofthewarriors，andthevociferationsofthepeasantry，whohadbeenassembledtotheintendednuptials，andwho，seeingafairset-to，contrivedtopickaquarrelamongthemselvesontheoccasion，andproceeded，withstaffandcudgel，tocrackeachother’sskullsforthegoodofthekingandtheearl。
Onetallfriaralonewasuntouchedbythepanicofhisbrethren，andstoodsteadfastlywatchingthecombatwithhisarmsa-kembo，thecolossalemblemofanunarmedneutrality。
Atlength，throughthemidstoftheinternalconfusion，theearl，bythehelpofhisgoodsword，thestaunchvalourofhismen，andtheblessingoftheVirgin，foughthiswaytothechapel-gate——
hisbowmenclosedhimin——hevaultedintohissaddle，clappedspurstohishorse，ralliedhismenonthefirsteminence，andexchangedhisswordforabowandarrow，withwhichhedidoldexecutionamongthepursuers，whoatlastthoughtitmostexpedienttodesistfromoffensivewarfare，andtoretreatintotheabbey，where，intheking’sname，theybroachedapipeofthebestwine，andattachedallthevenisoninthelarder，havingfirstcarefullyunpackedthetuftoffriars，andsetthefallenabbotonhislegs。
Thefriars，itmaybewellsupposed，andsuchoftheking’smenasescapedunhurtfromtheaffray，foundtheirspiritsacuptoolow，andkepttheflaskmovingfromnoontillnight。Thepeacefulbrethren，unusedtothetumultofwar，hadundergone，fromfearanddiscomposure，anexhaustionofanimalspiritsthatrequiredextraordinaryrefection。
Duringtherepast，theyinterrogatedSirRalphMontfaucon，theleaderofthesoldiers，respectingthenatureoftheearl’soffence。
"Acomplicationofoffences，"repliedSirRalph，"superinducedontheoriginalbasisofforest-treason。Hebeganwithhuntingtheking’sdeer，indespiteofallremonstrance;followeditupbycontemptoftheking’smandates，andbyarmedresistancetohispower，indefianceofallauthority;
andcombinedwithittheresolutewithholdingofpaymentofcertainmoneystotheabbotofDoncaster，indenialofalllaw;andhasthusmadehimselfthedeclaredenemyofchurchandstate，andallforbeingtoofondofvenison。"
Andtheknighthelpedhimselftohalfapasty。
"Aheinousoffender，"saidalittleroundoilyfriar，appropriatingtheportionofpastywhichSirRalphhadleft。
"Theearlisaworthypeer，"saidthetallfriarwhomwehavealreadymentionedinthechapelscene，"andthebestmarksmaninEngland。"
"Whythisisflattreason，brotherMichael，"saidthelittleroundfriar，"tocallanattaintedtraitoraworthypeer。"
"Ipledgeyou，"saidbrotherMichael。Thelittlefriarsmiledandfilledhiscup。"Hewilldrawthelongbow，"
pursuedbrotherMichael，"withanyboldyeomanamongthemall。"
"Don’ttalkofthelongbow，"saidtheabbot，whohadthesoundofthearrowstillwhizzinginhisear："whathavewepillarsofthefaithtodowiththelongbow？"
"Bethatasitmay，"saidSirRalph，"heisanoutlawfromthismoment。"
"Somuchtheworseforthelawthen，"saidbrotherMichael。"Thelawwillhaveaheaviermissofhimthanhewillhaveofthelaw。
Hewillstrikeasmuchvenisonasever，andmoreofothergame。
IknowwhatIsay：butbasta：Letusdrink。"
"Whatothergame？"saidthelittlefriar。"Ihopehewon’tpoachamongourpartridges。"
"Poach！nothe，"saidbrotherMichael："ifhewantsyourpartridges，hewillstrikethemunderyournose（here’stoyou），anddragyourtrout-streamforyouonaThursdayevening。"
"Monstrous！andstarveusonfast-day，"saidthelittlefriar。
"ButthatisnotthegameImean，"saidbrotherMichael。
"Surely，sonMichael，"saidtheabbot，"youdonotmeantoinsinuatethatthenobleearlwillturnfreebooter？"
"Amanmustlive，"saidbrotherMichael，"earlorno。Ifthelawtakeshisrentsandbeeveswithouthisconsent，hemusttakebeevesandrentswherehecangetthemwithouttheconsentofthelaw。
Thisisthelextalionis。"
"Truly，"saidSirRalph，"Iamsorryforthedamsel：
sheseemsfondofthiswildrunagate。"
"Amadgirl，amadgirl，"saidthelittlefriar。
"Howamadgirl？"saidbrotherMichael。"Hasshenotbeauty，grace，wit，sense，discretion，dexterity，learning，andvalour？"
"Learning！"exclaimedthelittlefriar;"whathasawomantodowithlearning？Andvalour！whoeverheardawomancommendedforvalour？
Meeknessandmildness，andsoftness，andgentleness，andtenderness，andhumility，andobediencetoherhusband，andfaithinherconfessor，anddomesticity，or，aslearneddoctorscallit，thefacultyofstayathomeitiveness，andembroidery，andmusic，andpickling，andpreserving，andthewholecomplexandmultiplexdetailofthenoblescienceofdinner，aswellinpreparationforthetable，asinarrangementoverit，andindistributionaroundittoknights，andsquires，andghostlyfriars，——thesearefemalevirtues：
butvalour——whywhoeverheard————？"
"Sheistheallinall，"saidbrotherMichael，"gentleasaring-dove，yethigh-soaringasafalcon：humblebelowherdeserving，yetdeservingbeyondtheestimateofpanegyric：anexacteconomistinallsuperfluity，yetamostbountifuldispenserinallliberality：
thechiefregulatorofherhousehold，thefairestpillarofherhall，andthesweetestblossomofherbower：having，inalloppositeproposings，sensetounderstand，judgmenttoweigh，discretiontochoose，firmnesstoundertake，diligencetoconduct，perseverancetoaccomplish，andresolutiontomaintain。
Forobediencetoherhusband，thatisnottobetriedtillshehasone：
forfaithinherconfessor，shehasasmuchasthelawprescribes：
forembroideryanArachne：formusicaSiren：andforpicklingandpreserving，didnotoneofherjarsofsugaredapricotsgiveyouyourlastsurfeitatArlingfordCastle？"
"Callyouthatpreserving？"saidthelittlefriar;"Icallitdestroying。
Callyouitpickling？Trulyitpickledme。Mylifewassavedbymiracle。"
"Bycanary，"saidbrotherMichael。"Canaryistheonlylifepreserver，thetrueaurumpotabile，theuniversalpanaceaforalldiseases，thirst，andshortlife。Yourlifewassavedbycanary。"
"Indeed，reverendfather，"saidSirRalph，"iftheyoungladybehalfwhatyoudescribe，shemustbeaparagon：
butyourcommendingherforvalourdoessomewhatamazeme。"
"Shecanfence，"saidthelittlefriar，"anddrawthelongbow，andplayatsinglestickandquarter-staff。"
"Yetmarkyou，"saidbrotherMichael，"notlikeaviragoorahoyden，oronethatwouldcrackaserving-man’sheadforspillinggravyonherruff，butwithsuchwomanlygraceandtemperateself-commandasifthosemanlyexercisesbelongedtoheronly，andwerebecomeforhersakefeminine。"
"Youinciteme，"saidSirRalph，"toviewhermorenearly。
Thatmadcapearlfoundmeotheremploymentthantoremarkherinthechapel。"
"Theearlisaworthypeer，"saidbrotherMichael;"heisworthanyfourteenearlsonthissideTrent，andanysevenontheother。"
（ThereaderwillpleasetorememberthatRubygillAbbeywasnorthofTrent。）
"Hismettlewillbetried，"saidSirRalph。"ThereismanyacourtierwillsweartoKingHenrytobringhimindeadoralive。"
"Theymustlooktothebramblesthen，"saidbrotherMichael。
"Thebramble，thebramble，thebonnyforestbramble，DothmakeajestOfsilkenvest，Thatwillthroughgreenwoodscramble：
Thebramble，thebramble，thebonnyforestbramble。"
"Plagueonyourlungs，sonMichael，"saidtheabbot;"thisisyouroldcoil：
alwaysroaringinyourcups。"
"IknowwhatIsay，"saidbrotherMichael;"thereisoftenmoresenseinanoldsongthaninanewhomily。
Thecourtlypaddothamble，Whenhisgaylordwouldramble：
ButbothmaycatchAnawkwardscratch，Iftheyrideamongthebramble：
Thebramble，thebramble，thebonnyforestbramble。"
"Tallfriar，"saidSirRalph，"eitheryoushoottheshaftsofyourmerrimentatrandom，oryouknowmoreoftheearl’sdesignsthanbeseemsyourfrock。"
"Letmyfrock，"saidbrotherMichael，"answerforitsownsins。
Itiswornpastcoveringmine。Itistooweakforashield，tootransparentforascreen，toothinforashelter，toolightforgravity，andtoothreadbareforajest。
Thewearerwouldbenaughtindeedwhoshouldmisbeseemsuchaweddinggarment。
Butwhereforedoesthesheepwearwool？
Thatheinseasonshearedmaybe，Andtheshepherdbewarmthoughhisflockbecool：
SoI’llhaveanewcloakaboutme。"
CHAPTERII
Vraymoynesioncquesenfeutdepuisquelemondemoynantmoynademoynerie。——RABELAIS。
TheEarlofHuntingdon，livinginthevicinityofaroyalforest，andpassionatelyattachedtothechasefromhisinfancy，hadlongmadeasfreewiththeking’sdeerasLordPercyproposedtodowiththoseofLordDouglasinthememorablehuntingofCheviot。Itissufficientlywellknownhowsevereweretheforest-lawsinthosedays，andwithwhatjealousythekingsofEnglandmaintainedthisbranchoftheirprerogative;
butmenacesandremonstranceswerethrownawayontheearl，whodeclaredthathewouldnotthankSaintPeterforadmissionintoParadise，ifhewereobligedtoleavehisbowandhoundsatthegate。KingHenry（theSecond）sworebySaintBotolphtomakehimruehissport，and，havingcausedhimtobedulyandformallyaccused，summonedhimtoLondontoanswerthecharge。
Theearl，deeminghimselfsaferamonghisownvassalsthanamongkingHenry’scourtiers，tooknonoticeofthemandate。
KingHenrysentaforcetobringhim，vietarmis，tocourt。
Theearlmadearesoluteresistance，andputtheking’sforcetoflightunderashowerofarrows：anactwhichthecourtiersdeclaredtobetreason。Atthesametime，theabbotofDoncastersuedupthepaymentofcertainmoneys，whichtheearl，whoserevenueranalosingracewithhishospitality，hadborrowedatsundrytimesofthesaidabbot：fortheabbotsandthebishopswerethechiefusurersofthosedays，and，astheendsanctifiesthemeans，werenotintheleastscrupulousofemployingwhatwouldhavebeenextortionintheprofane，toaccomplishthepiouspurposeofbringingablessingonthelandbyrescuingitfromthefrailholdofcarnalandtemporalintothefirmergraspofghostlyandspiritualpossessors。
Buttheearl，confidentinthenumberandattachmentofhisretainers，stoutlyrefusedeithertorepaythemoney，whichhecouldnot，ortoyieldtheforfeiture，whichhewouldnot：
arefusalwhichinthosedayswasanactofoutlawryinagentleman，asitisnowofbankruptcyinabasemechanic;thegentlemanhavinginourwisertimesamoreliberalprivilegeofgentility，whichenableshimtokeephislandandlaughathiscreditor。
Thusthemutualresentmentsandinterestsofthekingandtheabbotconcurredtosubjecttheearltothepenaltiesofoutlawry，bywhichtheabbotwouldgainhisdueuponthelandsofLocksley，andtherestwouldbeconfiscatetotheking。
Stillthekingdidnotthinkitadvisabletoassailtheearlinhisownstrong-hold，butcausedadiligentwatchtobekeptoverhismotions，tillatlengthhisrumouredmarriagewiththeheiressofArlingfordseemedtopointoutaneasymethodoflayingviolenthandsontheoffender。
SirRalphMontfaucon，ayoungmanofgoodlineageandofanaspiringtemper，whoreadilyseizedthefirstopportunitythatofferedofrecommendinghimselftoKingHenry’sfavourbymanifestinghiszealinhisservice，undertookthecharge：
andhowhesucceededwehaveseen。
SirRalph’scuriositywasstronglyexcitedbythefriar’sdescriptionoftheyoungladyofArlingford;andhepreparedinthemorningtovisitthecastle，undertheveryplausiblepretextofgivingthebaronanexplanationofhisinterventionatthenuptials。
BrotherMichaelandthelittlefatfriarproposedtobehisguides。
Theproposalwascourteouslyaccepted，andtheysetouttogether，leavingSirRalph’sfollowersattheabbey。Theknightwasmountedonaspiritedcharger;brotherMichaelonalargeheavy-trottinghorse;
andthelittlefatfriaronaplumpsoft-pacedgalloway，socorrespondentwithhimselfinsize，rotundity，andsleekness，thatiftheyhadbeenamalgamatedintoacentaur，therewouldhavebeennothingtoalterintheirproportions。
"Doyouknow，"saidthelittlefriar，astheywoundalongthebanksofthestream，"thereasonwhylake-troutisbetterthanriver-trout，andshyerwithal？"
"Iwasnotawareofthefact，"saidSirRalph。
"Amostheterodoxremark，"saidbrotherMichael："knowyounot，thatinallnicemattersyoushouldtaketheimplicationforabsolute，and，withoutlookingintotheFACTWHETHER，seekonlythereasonwhy？
Butthefactisso，onthewordofafriar;whichwhatlaymanwillventuretogainsaywhoprefersadownbedtoagridiron？"
"Thefactbeingso，"saidtheknight，"Iamstillatalossforthereason;
norwouldIundertaketoopineinamatterofthatmagnitude：since，inallthatappertainstothegoodthingseitherofthisworldorthenext，myreverendspiritualguidesarekindenoughtotakethetroubleofthinkingoffmyhands。"
"Spoken，"saidbrotherMichael，"withasoundCatholicconscience。
Mylittlebrotherhereismostprofoundinthematteroftrout。
Hehasmarked，learned，andinwardlydigestedthesubject，twiceaweekatleastforfive-and-thirtyyears。Iyieldtohiminthis。
Mystrongpointsarevenisonandcanary。"
"Thegoodqualitiesofatrout，"saidthelittlefriar，"arefirmnessandredness：theredness，indeed，beingthevisiblesignofallothervirtues。"
"Whence，"saidbrotherMichael，"wechooseourabbotbyhisnose：
Theroseonthenosedothallvirtuesdisclose：
FortheoutwardgraceshowsThattheinwardoverflows，Whenitglowsintheroseofared，rednose。"
"Now，"saidthelittlefriar，"asisthefirmnesssoistheredness，andasistherednesssoistheshyness。"
"Marrywhy？"saidbrotherMichael。"Thesolutionisnotphysical-natural，butphysical-historical，ornatural-superinductive。Andtherebyhangsatale，whichmaybeeithersaidorsung：
ThedamselstoodtowatchthefightBythebanksofKingsleaMere，AndtheybroughttoherfeetherowntrueknightSore-woundedonabier。
Shekneltbyhimhiswoundstobind，Shewashedthemwithmanyatear：
Andshoutsrosefastuponthewind，Whichtoldthatthefoewasnear。
"Oh！letnot，"hesaid，"whileyetIlive，Thecruelfoemetake：
Butwiththysweetlipsalastkissgive，Andcastmeinthelake。"
Aroundhisneckshewoundherarms，Andshekissedhislipssopale：
Andevermorethewar’salarmsCamelouderupthevale。
Shedrewhimtothelake’ssteepside，Wheretheredheathfringedtheshore;
Sheplungedwithhimbeneaththetide，Andtheywereseennomore。
TheirtruebloodmingledinKingsleaMere，Thattomingleonearthwasfain：
AndthetroutthatswimsinthatcrystalclearIstingedwiththecrimsonstain。
"Thusyouseehowgoodcomesofevil，andhowaholyfriarmayfarebetteronfast-dayfortheviolentdeathoftwoloverstwohundredyearsago。Theinferenceismostconsecutive，thatwhereveryoucatchared-fleshedtrout，loveliesbleedingunderthewater：
anoccultquality，whichcanonlyactinthestationarywatersofalake，beingneutralisedbytherapidtransitionofthoseofastream。"
"Andwhyisthetroutshyerforthat？"askedSirRalph。
"Doyounotsee？"saidbrotherMichael。"Thevirtuesofbothloversdiffusethemselvesthroughthelake。Theinfusionofmasculinevalourmakesthefishactiveandsanguineous：
theinfusionofmaidenmodestymakeshimcoyandhardtowin：
andyoushallfindthroughlife，thefishwhichismosteasilyhookedisnotthebestworthdishing。ButyonderarethetowersofArlingford。"
Thelittlefriarstopped。Heseemedsuddenlystruckwithanawfulthought，whichcausedamomentarypallescenceinhisrosycomplexion;andafterabriefhesitation，heturnedhisgalloway，andtoldhiscompanionsheshouldgivethemgoodday。
"Why，whatisinthewindnow，brotherPeter？"saidFriarMichael。
"TheladyMatilda，"saidthelittlefriar，"candrawthelong-bow。ShemustbearnogoodwilltoSirRalph;andifsheshouldespyhimfromhertower，shemaytestifyherrecognitionwithacloth-yardshaft。
Sheisnotsoinfallibleamarkswoman，butthatshemightshootatacrowandkillapigeon。Shemightperadventuremisstheknight，andhitme，whoneverdidheranyharm。"
"Tut，tut，man，"saidbrotherMichael，"thereisnosuchfear。"
"Mass，"saidthelittlefriar，"butthereissuchafear，andverystrongtoo。Youwhohaveitnotmaykeepyourway，andIwhohaveitshalltakemine。Iamnotjustnowintheveinforbeingpickedoffatalongshot。"Andsayingthesewords，hespurreduphisfour-footedbetterhalf，andgallopedoffasnimblyasifhehadhadanarrowsingingbehindhim。
"IsthisladyMatilda，then，soveryterribleadamsel？"
saidSirRalphtobrotherMichael。
"Bynomeans，"saidthefriar。"Shehascertainlyahighspirit;
butitisthewingoftheeagle，withouthisbeakorhisclaw。
Sheisasgentleasmagnanimous;butitisthegentlenessofthesummerwind，which，howeverlightlyitwavethetuftofthepine，carrieswithittheintimationofapower，that，ifrousedtoitsextremity，couldmakeitbendtothedust。"
"Fromthewarmthofyourpanegyric，ghostlyfather，"saidtheknight，"Ishouldalmostsuspectyouwereinlovewiththedamsel。"
"SoIam，"saidthefriar，"andIcarenotwhoknowsit;
butallinthewayofhonesty，mastersoldier。Iam，asitwere，herspirituallover;andweresheadamselerrant，Iwouldbeherghostlyesquire，herfriarmilitant。
Iwouldbucklemeinarmourofproof，andthedevilmightthreshmeblackwithanironflail，beforeIwouldknockunderinhercause。
Thoughtheybenotyetonecanonically，thankstoyoursoldiership，theearlisherliegelord，andsheishisliegelady。
Iamherfatherconfessorandghostlydirector：
Ihavetakenonmetoshowherthewaytothenextworld;
andhowcanIdothatifIlosesightofherinthis？seeingthatthisisbuttheroadtotheother，andhassomanycircumvolutionsandramificationsofbyewaysandbeatenpaths（allmorethicklysetthanthetrueonewithfinger-postsandmilestones，notoneofwhichtellstruth），thatatravellerhasneedofsomeonewhoknowstheway，ortheoddsgohardagainsthimthathewilleverseethefaceofSaintPeter。"
"Buttheremustsurelybesomereason，"saidSirRalph，"forfatherPeter’sapprehension。"
"None，"saidbrotherMichael，"buttheapprehensionitself;fearbeingitsownfather，andmostprolificinself-propagation。Theladydid，itistrue，oncesignalizeherdispleasureagainstourlittlebrother，forreprimandingherinthatshewouldgohuntinga-morningsinsteadofattendingmatins。Shecutshortthethreadofhiseloquencebysportivelydrawingherbow-stringandloosinganarrowoverhishead;
hewaddledoffwithsingularspeed，andwasinmuchaweofherformanymonths。Ithoughthehadforgottenit：butletthatpass。
Intruth，shewouldhavehadlittleofherlover’scompany，ifshehadlikedthechauntofthechoristersbetterthanthecryofthehounds：
yetIknownot;fortheywerecompanionsfromthecradle，andreciprocallyfashionedeachothertotheloveofthefernandthefoxglove。
Hadeitherbeenlesssylvan，theothermighthavebeenmoresaintly;
buttheywillnowneverhearmatinsbutthoseofthelark，norreverencevaultedaislebutthatofthegreenwoodcanopy。
Theyaretwinplantsoftheforest，andareidentifiedwithitsgrowth。
Fortheslenderbeechandthesaplingoak，Thatgrowbytheshadowyrill，Youmaycutdownbothatasinglestroke，Youmaycutdownwhichyouwill。
Butthisyoumustknow，thataslongastheygrowWhateverchangemaybe，YounevercanteacheitheroakorbeechTobeaughtbutagreenwoodtree。"
CHAPTERIII
Inflamedwrathinglowingbreast。——BUTLER。
TheknightandthefriararrivingatArlingfordCastle，andleavingtheirhorsesinthecareofladyMatilda’sgroom，withwhomthefriarwasingreatfavour，wereusheredintoastatelyapartment，wheretheyfoundthebaronalone，flourishinganenormouscarving-knifeoverabrotherbaron——ofbeef——
withasmuchvehemenceofactionasifhewerecuttingdownanenemy。
Thebaronwasagentlemanofafierceandcholerictemperament：
hewaslineallydescendedfromtheredoubtableFierabrasofNormandy，whocameovertoEnglandwiththeConqueror，andwho，inthebattleofHastings，killedwithhisownhandfour-and-twentySaxoncavaliersallonarow。
Theveryexcessofthebaron’sinternalrageontheprecedingdayhadsmothereditsexternalmanifestation：hewassoequallyangrywithbothparties，thatheknewnotonwhichtoventhiswrath。
Hewasenragedwiththeearlforhavingbroughthimselfintosuchadilemmawithouthisprivily;andhewasnolessenragedwiththeking’smenfortheirveryunseasonableintrusion。
Hecouldwillinglyhavefallenuponbothparties，but，hemustnecessarilyhavebegunwithone;andhefeltthatonwhicheversideheshouldstrikethefirstblow，hisretainerswouldimmediatelyjoinbattle。Hehadthereforecontentedhimselfwithforcingawayhisdaughterfromthesceneofaction。
Inthecourseoftheeveninghehadreceivedintelligencethattheearl’scastlewasinpossessionofapartyoftheking’smen，whohadbeendetachedbySirRalphMontfaucontoseizeonitduringtheearl’sabsence。Thebaroninferredfromthisthattheearl’scasewasdesperate;andthosewhohavehadtheopportunityofseeingarichfriendfallsuddenlyintopoverty，mayeasilyjudgebytheirownfeelingshowquicklyandcompletelythewholemoralbeingoftheearlwaschangedinthebaron’sestimation。
Thebaronimmediatelyproceededtorequireinhisdaughter’smindthesamesummaryrevolutionthathadtakenplaceinhisown，andconsideredhimselfexceedinglyill-usedbyhernon-compliance。
Theladyhadretiredtoherchamber，andthebaronhadpassedasupperlessandsleeplessnight，stalkingabouthisapartmentstillanadvancedhourofthemorning，whenhungercompelledhimtosummonintohispresencethespoilsofthebuttery，which，beingtheintendedarrayofanuneatenweddingfeast，weremorethanusuallyabundant，andonwhich，whentheknightandthefriarentered，hewasfallingwithdesperatevalour。
Helookedupatthemfiercely，withhismouthfullofbeefandhiseyesfullofflame，andrising，asceremonyrequired，madeanawfulbowtotheknight，inclininghimselfforwardoverthetableandpresentinghiscarving-knifeenmilitaire，inamannerthatseemedtoleaveitdoubtfulwhetherhemeanttoshowrespecttohisvisitor，ortodefendhisprovision：
butthedoubtwassoonclearedupbyhispolitelymotioningtheknighttobeseated;onwhichthefriaradvancedtothetable，saying，"Forwhatwearegoingtoreceive，"andcommencedoperationswithoutfurtherpreludebyfillinganddrinkingagobletofwine。
ThebaronatthesametimeofferedonetoSirRalph，withthelookofamaninwhomhabitualhospitalityandcourtesywerestrugglingwiththeebullitionsofnaturalanger。
Theypledgedeachotherinsilence，andthebaron，havingcompletedacopiousdraught，continuedworkinghislipsandhisthroat，asiftryingtoswallowhiswrathashehaddonehiswine。
SirRalph，notknowingwellwhattomakeoftheseambiguoussigns，lookedforinstructionstothefriar，whobysignificantlooksandgesturesseemedtoadvisehimtofollowhisexampleandpartakeofthegoodcheerbeforehim，withoutspeakingtillthebaronshouldbemoreintelligibleinhisdemeanour。
Theknightandthefriar，accordingly，proceededtorefectthemselvesaftertheirride;thebaronlookingfirstattheoneandthenattheother，scrutinisingalternatelytheseriouslooksoftheknightandthemerryfaceofthefriar，tillatlength，havingcalmedhimselfsufficientlytospeak，hesaid，"Courteousknightandghostlyfather，Ipresumeyouhavesomeotherbusinesswithmethantoeatmybeefanddrinkmycanary;
andifso，Ipatientlyawaityourleisuretoenteronthetopic。"
"LordFitzwater，"saidSirRalph，"inobediencetomyroyalmaster，KingHenry，Ihavebeentheunwillinginstrumentoffrustratingtheintendednuptialsofyourfairdaughter;yetwillyou，Itrust，owemenodispleasureformyagencyherein，seeingthatthenoblemaidenmightotherwisebythistimehavebeenthebrideofanoutlaw。"
"Iamverymuchobligedtoyou，sir，"saidthebaron;
"veryexceedinglyobliged。Yoursolicitudeformydaughteristrulypaternal，andforayoungmanandastrangerverysingularandexemplary：anditisverykindwithaltocometothereliefofmyinsufficiencyandinexperience，andconcernyourselfsomuchinthatwhichconcernsyounot。"
"Youmisconceivetheknight，noblebaron，"saidthefriar。
"Heurgesnothisreasonintheshapeofapreconceivedintent，butinthatofasubsequentextenuation。True，hehasdonetheladyMatildagreatwrong————"
"How，greatwrong？"saidthebaron。"Whatdoyoumeanbygreatwrong？
Wouldyouhavehadhermarriedtoawildfly-by-night，thataccidentmadeanearlandnatureadeer-stealer？thathasnotwitenoughtoeatvenisonwithoutpickingaquarrelwithmonarchy？thatflingsawayhisownlandsintotheclutchesofrascallyfriars，forthesakeofhuntinginothermen’sgrounds，andfeastingvagabondsthatwearLincolngreen，andwouldhaveflungawaymineintothebargainifhehadhadmydaughter？
Whatdoyoumeanbygreatwrong？"
"True，"saidthefriar，"greatright，Imeant。"
"Right！"exclaimedthebaron："whatrighthasanymantodomydaughterrightbutmyself？Whatrighthasanymantodrivemydaughter’sbridegroomoutofthechapelinthemiddleofthemarriageceremony，andturnallourmerryfacesintogreenwoundsandbloodycoxcombs，andthencomeandtellmehehasdoneusgreatright？"
"True，"saidthefriar："hehasdoneneitherrightnorwrong。"
"Buthehas，"saidthebaron，"hehasdoneboth，andIwillmaintainitwithmyglove。"
"Itshallnotneed，"saidSirRalph;"Iwillconcedeanythinginhonour。"
"AndI，"saidthebaron，"willconcedenothinginhonour：
Iwillconcedenothinginhonourtoanyman。"
"NeitherwillI，LordFitzwater，"saidSirRalph，"inthatsense：
buthearme。IwascommissionedbythekingtoapprehendtheEarlofHuntingdon。Ibroughtwithmeapartyofsoldiers，pickedandtriedmen，knowingthathewouldnotlightlyyield。
Isentmylieutenantwithadetachmenttosurprisetheearl’scastleinhisabsence，andlaidmymeasuresforinterceptinghimonthewaytohisintendednuptials;butheseemstohavehadintimationofthispartofmyplan，forhebroughtwithhimalargearmedretinue，andtookacircuitousroute，whichmadehim，Ibelieve，somewhatlaterthanhisappointedhour。
Whenthelapseoftimeshowedmethathehadtakenanothertrack，Ipursuedhimtothechapel;andIwouldhaveawaitedthecloseoftheceremony，ifIhadthoughtthateitheryourselforyourdaughterwouldhavefeltdesirousthatsheshouldhavebeenthebrideofanoutlaw。"
"Whosaid，sir，"criedthebaron，"thatweweredesirousofanysuchthing？
Buttruly，sir，ifIhadamindtothedevilforason-in-law，Iwouldfainseethemanthatshouldventuretointerfere。"
"ThatwouldI，"saidthefriar;"forIhaveundertakentomakeherrenouncethedevil。"
"Sheshallnotrenouncethedevil，"saidthebaron，"unlessIplease。
Youareveryreadywithyourundertakings。Willyouundertaketomakeherrenouncetheearl，who，Ibelieve，isthedevilincarnate？
Willyouundertakethat？"
"WillIundertake，"saidthefriar，"tomakeTrentrunwestward，ortomakeflameburndownward，ortomakeatreegrowwithitsheadintheearthanditsrootintheair？"
"Sothen，"saidthebaron，"agirl’smindisashardtochangeasnatureandtheelements，anditiseasiertomakeherrenouncethedevilthanalover。
Areyouamatchforthedevil，andnomatchforaman？"
"Mywarfare，"saidthefriar，"isnotofthisworld。
Iammilitantnotagainstman，butthedevil，whogoesaboutseekingwhathemaydevour。"
"Oh！doesheso？"saidthebaron："thenItakeitthatmakesyoulookforhimsoofteninmybuttery。WillyoucastoutthedevilwhosenameisLegion，whenyoucannotcastouttheimpwhosenameisLove？"
"Marriages，"saidthefriar，"aremadeinheaven。LoveisGod’swork，andtherewithImeddlenot。"
"God’swork，indeed！"saidthebaron，"whentheceremonywascutshortinthechurch。Couldmenhaveputthemasunder，ifGodhadjoinedthemtogether？Andtheearlisnownoearl，butplainRobertFitz-Ooth：therefore，I’llnoneofhim。"
"Hemayatone，"saidthefriar，"andthekingmaymollify。
Theearlisaworthypeer，andthekingisacourteousking。"
"Hecannotatone，"saidSirRalph。"Hehaskilledtheking’smen;
andifthebaronshouldaidandabet，hewilllosehiscastleandland。"
"WillI？"saidthebaron;"notwhileIhaveadropofbloodinmyveins。
Hethatcomestotakethemshallfirstservemeasthefriarservesmyflasksofcanary：heshalldrainmedryashay。AmInotdisparaged？
AmInotoutraged？Isnotmydaughtervilified，andmadeamockery？
Agirlhalf-married？Therewasmybutlerbroughthomewithabrokenhead。
Mybutler，friar：thereisthatmaymoveyoursympathy。
Friar，theearl-no-earlshallcomenomoretomydaughter。"
"Verygood，"saidthefriar。
"Itisnotverygood，"saidthebaron，"forIcannotgethertosayso。"
"Ifear，"saidSirRalph，"theyoungladymustbemuchdistressedanddiscomposed。"
"Notawhit，sir，"saidthebaron。"Sheis，asusual，inamostprovokingimperturbability，andcontradictsmesosmilinglythatitwouldenrageyoutoseeher。"
"Ihadhoped，"saidSirRalph，"thatImighthaveseenher，tomakemyexcuseinpersonforthehardnecessityofmyduty。"
Hehadscarcelyspoken，whenthedooropened，andtheladymadeherappearance。
CHAPTERIV
Areyoumad，orwhatareyou，thatyousqueakoutyourcatcheswithoutmitigationorremorseofvoice？TwelfthNight。
Matilda，notdreamingofvisitors，trippedintotheapartmentinadressofforestgreen，withasmallquiverbyherside，andabowandarrowinherhand。Herhair，blackandglossyastheraven’swing，curledlikewanderingclustersofdarkripegrapesundertheedgeofherroundbonnet;andaplumeofblackfeathersfellbacknegligentlyaboveit，withanalmosthorizontalinclination，thatseemedthehabitualeffectofrapidmotionagainstthewind。
Herblackeyessparkledlikesunbeamsonariver：
aclear，deep，liquidradiance，thereflectionofetherealfire，——
tempered，notsubdued，inthemediumofitslivingandgentlemirror。
Herlipswerehalfopenedtospeakassheenteredtheapartment;
andwithasmileofrecognitiontothefriar，andacourtesytothestrangerknight，sheapproachedthebaronandsaid，"Youarelateatyourbreakfast，father。"
"Iamnotatbreakfast，"saidthebaron。"Ihavebeenatsupper：
mylastnight’ssupper;forIhadnone。"
"Iamsorry，"saidMatilda，"youshouldhavegonetobedsupperless。"
"Ididnotgotobedsupperless，"saidthebaron：
"Ididnotgotobedatall：andwhatareyoudoingwiththatgreendressandthatbowandarrow？"
"Iamgoinga-hunting，"saidMatilda。
"A-hunting！"saidthebaron。"What，Iwarrantyou，tomeetwiththeearl，andslipyourneckintothesamenoose？"
"No，"saidMatilda："Iamnotgoingoutofourownwoodsto-day。"
"HowdoIknowthat？"saidthebaron。"WhatsuretyhaveIofthat？"
"Hereisthefriar，"saidMatilda。"Hewillbesurety。"
"Nothe，"saidthebaron："hewillundertakenothingbutwherethedevilisapartyconcerned。"
"Yes，Iwill，"saidthefriar："IwillundertakeanythingfortheladyMatilda。"
"Nomatterforthat，"saidthebaron："sheshallnotgohuntingtoday。"
"Why，father，"saidMatilda，"ifyoucoopmeuphereinthisodiouscastle，Ishallpineanddielikealonelyswanonapool。
"No，"saidthebaron，"thelonelyswandoesnotdieonthepool。
Iftherebeariverathand，shefliestotheriver，andfindsheramate;
andsoshallnotyou。"
"But，"saidMatilda，"youmaysendwithmeany，orasmany，ofyourgroomsasyouwill。"
"Mygrooms，"saidthebaron，"areallfalseknaves。
Thereisnotarascalamongthembutlovesyoubetterthanme。
VillainsthatIfeedandclothe。"
"Surely，"saidMatilda，"itisnotvillanytoloveme：
ifitbe，Ishouldbesorrymyfatherwereanhonestman。"
Thebaronrelaxedhismusclesintoasmile。"Ormylovereither，"addedMatilda。Thebaronlookedgrimagain。
"Foryourlover，"saidthebaron，"youmaygiveGodthanksofhim。
Heisasarrantaknaveaseverpoached。"
"What，forhuntingtheking’sdeer？"saidMatilda。"HaveInotheardyourailattheforestlawsbythehour？"
"Didyoueverhearme，"saidthebaron，"railmyselfoutofhouseandland？
IfIhaddonethat，thenwereIaknave。"
"Mylover，"saidMatilda，"isabraveman，andatrueman，andagenerousman，andayoungman，andahandsomeman;aye，andanhonestmantoo。"
"Howcanhebeanhonestman，"saidthebaron，"whenhehasneitherhousenorland，whicharethebetterpartofaman？"
"Theyarebutthehuskofaman，"saidMatilda，"theworthlesscoatofthechesnut：themanhimselfisthekernel。"
"Themanisthegrapestone，"saidthebaron，"andthepulpofthemelon。
Thehouseandlandarethetruesubstantialfruit，andallthatgivehimsavourandvalue。"
"Hewillneverwanthouseorland，"saidMatilda，"whilethemeetingboughsweaveagreenroofinthewood，andthefreerangeofthehartmarksouttheboundsoftheforest。"
"Vertandvenison！vertandvenison！"exclaimedthebaron。
"Treasonandflatrebellion。Confoundyoursmilingface！
whatmakesyoulooksogood-humoured？What！youthinkIcan’tlookatyou，andbeinapassion？Youthinkso，doyou？
Weshallsee。Haveyounofearintalkingthus，whenhereistheking’sliegemancometotakeusallintocustody，andconfiscateourgoodsandchattels？"
"Nay，LordFitzwater，"saidSirRalph，"youwrongmeinyourreport。
Myvisitisoneofcourtesyandexcuse，notofmenaceandauthority。"
"Thereitis，"saidthebaron："everyonetakesapleasureincontradictingme。Hereisthiscourteousknight，whohasnotopenedhismouththreetimessincehehasbeeninmyhouseexcepttotakeinprovision，cutsmeshortinmystorywithaflatdenial。"
"Oh！Icryyoumercy，sirknight，"saidMatilda;"Ididnotmarkyoubefore。
Iamyourdebtorfornoslightfavour，andsoismyliegelord。"
"Herliegelord！"exclaimedthebaron，takinglargestridesacrossthechamber。
"Pardonme，gentlelady，"saidSirRalph。"HadIknownyoubeforeyesterday，Iwouldhavecutoffmyrighthandereitshouldhavebeenraisedtodoyoudispleasure。
"Ohsir，"saidMatilda，"agoodmanmaybeforcedonanilloffice：
butIcandistinguishthemanfromhisduty。"Shepresentedtohimherhand，whichhekissedrespectfully，andsimultaneouslywiththecontactthirty-twoinvisiblearrowsplungedatonceintohisheart，onefromeverypointofthecompassofhispericardia。
"Well，father，"addedMatilda，"Imustgotothewoods。"
"Mustyou？"saidthebaron;"Isayyoumustnot。"
"ButIamgoing，"saidMatilda"ButIwillhaveupthedrawbridge，"saidthebaron。
"ButIwillswimthemoat，"saidMatilda。
"ButIwillsecurethegates，"saidthebaron。
"ButIwillleapfromthebattlement，"saidMatilda。
"ButIwilllockyouinanupperchamber，"saidthebaron。
"ButIwillshredthetapestry，"saidMatilda，"andletmyselfdown。"
"ButIwilllockyouinaturret，"saidthebaron，"whereyoushallonlyseelightthroughaloophole。"
"Butthroughthatloophole，"saidMatilda，"willItakemyflight，likeayoungeaglefromitseerie;and，father，whileIgooutfreely，Iwillreturnwillingly：butifonceIslipoutthroughaloop-hole————"
Shepausedamoment，andthenadded，singing，——
ThelovethatfollowsfainWillneveritsfaithbetray：
ButthefaiththatisheldinachainWillneverbefoundagain，Ifasinglelinkgiveway。
Themelodyactedirresistiblyontheharmoniouspropensitiesofthefriar，whoaccordinglysanginhisturn，——
Forhark！hark！hark！
Thedogdothbark，Thatwatchesthewilddeer’slair。
Thehunterawakesatthepeepofthedawn，Butthelairitisempty，thedeeritisgone，Andthehunterknowsnotwhere。
Matildaandthefriarthensangtogether，——
Thenfollow，ohfollow！thehoundsdocry：
Theredsunflamesintheeasternsky：
Thestagboundsoverthehollow。
Hethatlingersinspirit，orloitersinhall，Shallseeusnomoretilltheeveningfall，Andnovoicebuttheechoshallanswerhiscall：
Thenfollow，ohfollow，follow：
Follow，ohfollow，follow！
Duringtheprocessofthisharmony，thebaron’seyeswanderedfromhisdaughtertothefriar，andfromthefriartohisdaughteragain，withanalternateexpressionofangerdifferentlymodified：
whenhelookedonthefriar，itwasangerwithoutqualification;
whenhelookedonhisdaughteritwasstillanger，buttemperedbyanexpressionofinvoluntaryadmirationandpleasure。
Theserapidfluctuationsofthebaron’sphysiognomy——thehabitual，reckless，resolutemerrimentinthejovialfaceofthefriar，——
andthecheerful，elasticspiritsthatplayedonthelipsandsparkledintheeyesofMatilda，——wouldhavepresentedaveryamusingcombinationtoSirRalph，ifoneofthethreeimagesinthegrouphadnotabsorbedhistotalattentionwithfeelingsofintensedelightverynearlyalliedtopain。
Thebaron’swrathwassomewhatcounteractedbythereflectionthathisdaughter’sgoodspiritsseemedtoshowthattheywouldnaturallyrisetriumphantoveralldisappointments;
andhehadhadsufficientexperienceofherhumourtoknowthatshemightsometimesbeled，butnevercouldbedriven。
Then，too，hewasalwaysdelightedtohearhersing，thoughhewasnotatallpleasedinthisinstancewiththesubjectofhersong。
Stillhewouldhaveenduredthesubjectforthesakeofthemelodyofthetreble，buthismindwasnotsufficientlyattunedtounisontorelishtheharmonyofthebass。Thefriar’saccompanimentputhimoutofallpatience，and——"So，"heexclaimed，"thisistheway，youteachmydaughtertorenouncethedevil，isit？
Ahuntingfriar，truly！Whoeverheardbeforeofahuntingfriar？
Aprofane，roaring，bawling，bumper-bibbing，neck-breaking，catch-singingfriar？"
"Underfavour，boldbaron，"saidthefriar;butthefriarwaswarmwithcanary，andinhissingingvein;andhecouldnotgooninplainunmusicalprose。Hethereforesanginanewtune，——
ThoughIbenowagrey，greyfriar，YetIwasonceahaleyoungknight：
ThecryofmydogswastheonlychoirInwhichmyspiritdidtakedelight。
LittleIreckedofmatinbell，Butdrowneditstollwithmyclanginghorn：
AndtheonlybeadsIlovedtotellWerethebeadsofdewonthespangledthorn。
Thebaronwasgoingtostorm，butthefriarpaused，andMatildasanginrepetition，——
LittleIreckofmatinbell，Butdrownitstollwithmyclanginghorn：
AndtheonlybeadsIlovetotellArethebeadsofdewonthespangledthorn。
Andthensheandthefriarsangthefourlinestogether，andrangthechangesuponthemalternately。
LittleIreckofmatinbell，sangthefriar。
"Apreciousfriar，"saidthebaron。
Butdrownitstollwithmyclanginghorn，sangMatilda。
"Moreshameforyou，"saidthebaron。
AndtheonlybeadsIlovetotellArethebeadsofdewonthespangledthorn，sangMatildaandthefriartogether。
"Penitentandconfessor，"saidthebaron："ahopefulpairtruly。"
Thefriarwenton，——
AnarcherkeenIwaswithal，Aseverdidleanongreenwoodtree;
Andcouldmakethefleetestroebuckfall，Agoodthreehundredyardsfromme。
Thoughchangefultime，withhandsevere，Hasmademenowthesejoysforego，Yetmyheartboundswhene’erIhearYoicks！harkaway！andtallyho！
Matildachimedinasbefore。
"Areyoumad？"saidthebaron。"Areyouinsane？Areyoupossessed？
Whatdoyoumean？Whatinthedevil’snamedoyoubothmean？"
Yoicks！harkaway！andtallyho！
roaredthefriar。
Thebaron’spent-upwrathhadaccumulatedlikethewatersabovethedamofanovershotmill。Thepond-headofhispassionbeingnowfilledtotheutmostlimitofitscapacity，andbeginningtooverflowinthequiveringofhislipsandtheflashingofhiseyes，hepulledupalltheflash-boardsatonce，andgaveloosetothefulltorrentofhisindignation，byseizing，likefuriousAjax，notamessystonemorethantwomodernmencouldraise，butavastdishofbeefmorethanfiftyancientyeomencouldeat，andwhirleditlikeacoit，interrorem，overtheheadofthefriar，totheextremityoftheapartment，Whereitonoakenfloordidsettle，Withmightydinofponderousmetal。
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