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。