"These are homely thoughts--thoughts from a-field, thoughts for the
study and housekeeper's room. But whenever I have given utterance
unto them, as my heart hath often prompted me with beatings at the
breast, my hearers seemed to bear toward me more true and kindly
affection than my richest fancies and choicest phraseologies could
purchase.
"'T were convenient to bethink thee, should any other great man's
park have been robbed this season, no judge upon the bench will back
my recommendation for mercy. And, indeed, how could I expect it?
Things may soon be brought to such a pass that their lordships shall
scarcely find three haunches each upon the circuit."
"Well, Sir!" quoth Master Silas, "you have a right to go on in your
own way. Make him only give up the girl."
Here Sir Thomas reddened with righteous indignation, and answered, -
"I cannot think it! such a stripling! poor, penniless; it must be
some one else." And now Master Silas did redden in his turn, redder
than Sir Thomas, and first asked me, -
"What the devil do you stare at?" And then asked his worship, -
"Who should it be if not the rogue?" and his lips turned as blue as
a blue-bell. Then Sir Thomas left the window, and again took his
chair, and having stood so long on his legs, groaned upon it to ease
him.
Pages:
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78