And the maiden, now growing more reasonable, did promise the same.
But Master Silas said,
"I DOUBT YOU WILL, THOUGH."
"NO," said the mother, "I ANSWER FOR HER SHE SHALL NOT THINK OF HIM,
EVEN IF SHE SEE HIS GHOST."
Hannah screamed, and swooned, the better to forget him. And Master
Silas went home easier and contenteder. For now all the worst of
his hard duty was accomplished,--he having been, on the Wednesday of
last week, at the speech of Master John Shakspeare, Will's father,
to inquire whether the sorrel mare was his. To which question the
said Master John Shakspeare did answer, "YEA."
"ENOUGH SAID!" rejoined Master Silas.
"HORSE-STEALING IS CAPITAL. WE SHALL BIND THEE OVER TO APPEAR
AGAINST THE CULPRIT, AS PROSECUTOR, AT THE NEXT ASSIZES."
May the Lord in his mercy give the lad a good deliverance, if so be
it be no sin to wish it!
October 1, A. D. 1582.
LAUS DEO.
Footnotes:
{8a} Quicken, bring to life.
{8b} Debtors were often let out of prison at the coronation of a
new king; but creditors never paid by him.
{21a} The word here omitted is quite illegible. It appears to have
some reference to the language of the Highlanders.
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