Acataractfellinasinglesheetintothepool;thepoolboiledandbubbledatthebaseofthefall，butthroughthegreaterpartofitsextent，laycalm，deep，andblack，asifthecataracthadplungedthroughittoanunimaginabledepth，withoutdisturbingitseternalrepose。Attheoppositeextremityofthepool，therocksalmostmetattheirsummits，thetreesoftheoppositebanksintermingledtheirleaves，andanothercataractplungedfromthepoolintoachasm，onwhichthesunbeamsnevergleamed。Highabove，onbothsides，thesteepwoodyslopesofthedinglesoaredintothesky;andfromafissureintherock，onwhichthelittlepathterminated，asinglegnarledandtwistedoakstretcheditselfoverthepool，formingaforkwithitsboughsatashortdistancefromtherock。MissSusannahoftensatontherock，withherfeetrestingonthistree;intime，shemadeherseatonthetreeitself，withherfeethangingovertheabyss;andatlength，sheaccustomedherselftoliealonguponitstrunk，withhersideonthemossyboleofthefork，andanarmroundoneofthebranches。
　　Fromthispositionaportionoftheskyandthewoodswasreflectedinthepool，which，fromitsbank，wasbutamassofdarkness。Thefirsttimeshereclinedinthismanner，herheartbeataudibly;intimeshelaydownascalmlyasonthemountainheather;theperceptionofthesublimewasprobablyheightenedbyanintermingledsenseofdanger;andperhapsthatindifferencetolife，whichearlydisappointmentforcesuponsensitiveminds，wasnecessarytothefirstexperiment。Therewas，inthenoveltyandstrangenessoftheposition，anexcitementwhichneverwhollypassedaway，butwhichbecamegraduallysubordinatetotheinfluence，atoncetranquillisingandelevating，ofthemingledeternityofmotion，sound，andsolitude。
　　Onesultrynoon，shedescendedintothisretreatwithamindmorethanusuallydisturbedbyreflectionsonthepast。Shelayinherfavouriteposition，sometimesgazingonthecataract;lookingsometimesupthesteepsylvanacclivities，intothenarrowspaceofthecloudlessether;sometimesdownintotheabyssofthepool，andthedeepbright-bluereflectionsthatopenedanotherimmensitybelowher。Thedistressingrecollectionsofthemorning，theworldandallitslittlenesses，fadedfromherthoughtslikeadream;butherwoundedandweariedspiritdrankintoodeeplythetranquillisingpoweroftheplace，andshedroppedasleepuponthetreelikeaship-boyonthemast。
　　AtthismomentMr。Chainmailemergedintodaylight，onaprojectionoftheoppositerock，havingstruckdownthroughthewoodsinsearchofunsophisticatedscenery。Thescenehediscoveredfilledhimwithdelight：heseatedhimselfontherock，andfellintooneofhisromanticreveries;whensuddenlythesemblanceofablackhatandfeathercaughthiseyeamongthefoliageoftheprojectingoak。Hestartedup，shiftedhisposition，andgotaglimpseofabluegown。Itwashisladyofthelake，hisenchantressoftheruinedcastle，dividedfromhimbyabarrierwhich，atafewyardsbelow，hecouldalmostoverleap，yetunapproachablebutbyacircuitperhapsofmanyhours。Hewatchedwithintenseanxiety。
　　Tolistenifshebreathedwasoutofthequestion：thenosesofadeanandchapterwouldhavebeensoundlessintheroarofthetorrent。Fromherextremestillness，sheappearedtosleep：yetwhatcreature，notdesperate，wouldgowilfullytosleepinsuchaplace？Wassheasleep，then？Nay，wasshealive？Shewasasmotionlessasdeath。Hadshebeenmurdered，thrownfromabove，andcaughtinthetree？Shelaytooregularlyandtoocomposedlyforsuchasupposition。Shewasasleep，then，and，inallprobability，herwakingwouldbefatal。Heshiftedhisposition。Belowthepooltwobeetle-browedrocksnearlyoverarchedthechasm，leavingjustsuchaspaceatthesummitaswaswithinthepossibilityofaleap;thetorrentroaredbelowinafearfulgulf。Hepausedsometimeonthebrink，measuringthepracticabilityandthedanger，andcastingeverynowandthenananxiousglancetohissleepingbeauty。Inoneoftheseglanceshesawaslightmovementofthebluegown，and，inamomentafter，theblackhatandfeatherdroppedintothepool。Reflectionwaslostforamoment，and，byasuddenimpulse，heboundedoverthechasm。
　　Hestoodabovetheprojectingoak;theunknownbeautylaylikethenymphofthescene;herlongblackhair，whichthefallofherhathaddisengagedfromitsfastenings，droopingthroughtheboughs：
　　hesawthatthefirstthingtobedone，wastopreventherthrowingherfeetoffthetrunk，inthefirstmovementsofwaking。Hesatdownontherock，andplacedhisfeetonthestem，securingheranklesbetweenhisown：oneofherarmswasroundabranchofthefork，theotherlaylooselyonherside。Thehandofthisarmheendeavouredtoreach，byleaningforwardfromhisseat;heapproximated，butcouldnottouchit：afterseveraltantalisingefforts，hegaveupthepointindespair。Hedidnotattempttowakeher，becausehefeareditmighthavebadconsequences，andheresignedhimselftoexpectthemomentofhernaturalwaking，determinednottostirfromhispost，ifsheshouldsleeptillmidnight。
　　Inthisperiodofforcedinaction，hecouldcontemplateatleisurethefeaturesandformofhischarmer。Shewasnotoneoftheslenderbeautiesofromance;shewasasplumpasapartridge;hercheeksweretworoses，notabsolutelydamask，yetvergingthereupon;herlipstwin-cherries，ofequalsize;hernoseregular，andalmostGrecian;herforeheadhigh，anddelicatelyfair;hereyebrowssymmetricallyarched;hereyelashes，long，black，andsilky，fitlycorrespondingwiththebeautifultressesthathungamongtheleavesoftheoak，likeclustersofwanderinggrapes。
　　Hereyeswereyettobeseen;buthowcouldhedoubtthattheiropeningwouldbetherisingofthesun，whenallthatsurroundedtheirfringyportalswasradiantas"theforeheadofthemorningsky？"
　　CHAPTERXV：THEFARM
　　Daydyw’rgwaith，rhaidd’we’ydygwir，ArfryniauSirMeirionydd;
　　Golwgoero’rgwaelagawnMaehiettoynllawnllawenydd。
　　ThoughMeirion’srocks，andhillsofheath，Repelthedistantsight，Yetwhere，thanthosebleakhillsbeneath，Isfoundmoretruedelight？
　　Atlengththeyoungladyawoke。Shewasstartledatthesuddensightofthestranger，andsomewhatterrifiedatthefirstperceptionofherposition。Butshesoonrecoveredherself-
　　possession，and，extendingherhandtotheofferedhandofMr。
　　Chainmail，sheraisedherselfuponthetree，andsteppedontherockybank。
　　Mr。Chainmailsolicitedpermissiontoattendhertoherhome，whichtheyoungladygraciouslyconceded。Theyemergedfromthewoodydingle，traversedanopenheath，woundalongamountainroadbytheshoreofalake，descendedtothedeepbedofanotherstream，crosseditbyaseriesofstepping-stones，ascendedtosomeheightontheoppositeside，andfollowedupwardsthelineofthestream，tillthebanksopenedintoaspaciousamphitheatre，wherestood，initsfieldsandmeadows，thefarmhouseofAp-Llymry。
　　Duringthiswalk，theyhadkeptupaprettyanimatedconversation。
　　Theladyhadlostherhat，and，assheturnedtowardsMr。
　　Chainmail，inspeakingtohim，therewasnoenviousprojectionofbrimtointerceptthebeamsofthoseradianteyeshehadbeensoanxioustoseeunclosed。Therewasinthemamixtureofsoftnessandbrilliancy，theperfectionofthebeautyoffemaleeyes，suchassomemenhavepassedthroughlifewithoutseeing，andsuchasnomaneversaw，inanypairofeyes，butonce;suchascanneverbeseenandforgotten。YoungCrotchethadseenit;hehadnotforgottenit;buthehadtrampledonitsmemory，astherenegadetramplesontheemblemsofafaithwhichhisinterestonly，andnothisheartorhisreason，hasrejected。
　　Herhairstreamedoverhershoulders;thelossoftheblackfeatherhadleftnothingbuttherusticcostume，thebluegown，theblackstockings，andtheribbon-tiedshoes。Hervoicehadthatfullsoftvolumeofmelodywhichgivestocommonspeechthefascinationofmusic。Mr。Chainmailcouldnotreconcilethedressofthedamselwithherconversationandmanners。Hethrewoutaremotequestionortwo，withthehopeofsolvingtheriddle，but，receivingnoreply，hebecamesatisfiedthatshewasnotdisposedtobecommunicativerespectingherself，and，fearingtooffendher，felluponothertopics。Theytalkedofthescenesofthemountains，ofthedingle，theruinedcastle，thesolitarylake。Shetoldhim，thatlakelayunderthemountainsbehindherhome，andthecoracleandthepassattheextremity，savedalongcircuittothenearestvillage，whithershesometimeswenttoinquireforletters。
　　Mr。Chainmailfeltcurioustoknowfromwhomtheselettersmightbe;andheagainthrewouttwoorthreefishingquestions，towhich，asbefore，heobtainednoanswer。
　　TheonlylivingbipedtheymetintheirwalkwastheunfortunateHarryAp-Heather，withwhomtheyfellinbythestepping-stones，who，seeingthegirlofhishearthangingonanotherman’sarm，and，concludingatoncethattheywere"keepingcompany，"fixedonheramingledlookofsurprise，reproach，andtribulation;and，unabletocontrolhisfeelingsunderthesuddenshock，burstintoafloodoftears，andblubberedtilltherocksre-echoed。
　　Theylefthimminglinghistearswiththestream，andhislamentationswithitsmurmurs。Mr。Chainmailinquiredwhothatstrangecreaturemightbe，andwhatwasthematterwithhim。Theyoungladyanswered，thathewasaveryworthyyoungman，towhomshehadbeentheinnocentcauseofmuchunhappiness。
　　"Ipityhimsincerely，"saidMr。Chainmailand，nevertheless，hecouldscarcelyrestrainhislaughterattheexceedinglyoriginalfigurewhichtheunfortunaterusticloverhadpresentedbythestepping-stones。
　　ThechildrenranouttomeettheirdearMissSusan，jumpedallroundher，andaskedwhatwasbecomeofherhat。Ap-Llymrycameoutingreathaste，andinvitedMr。Chainmailtowalkinanddine：
　　Mr。Chainmaildidnotwaittobeaskedtwice。Inafewminutesthewholeparty，MissSusanandMr。Chainmail，Mr。andMrs。Ap-Llymry，andprogeny，wereseatedoveracleanhomespuntablecloth，ornamentedwithfowlsandbacon，apyramidofpotatoes，anotherofcabbage，whichAp-Llymrysaid"waspoiledwiththepacon，andascootasmarrow，"abowlofmilkforthechildren，andanimmensebrownjugoffoamingale，withwhichAp-Llymryseemedtodelightinfillingthehornofhisnewguest。
　　Shallwedescribethespaciousapartment，whichwasatoncekitchen，hall，anddining-room，——thelargedarkrafters，thependentbaconandonions，thestrongoldoakenfurniture，thebrightandtrimly-arrangedutensils？ShallwedescribethecutofAp-Llymry’scoat，thecolourandtieofhisneckcloth，thenumberofbuttonsathisknees，——thestructureofMrs。Ap-Llymry’scap，havinglappetsovertheears，whichwereunitedunderthechin，settingforthespeciallywhetherthebondofunionwereapinoraribbon？Weshallleavethistemptingfieldofinterestingexpatiationtothosewhosebrainsarehigh-pressuresteam-enginesforspinningprosebythefurlong，tobetrumpetedinpaid-forparagraphsinthequack’scornerofnewspapers：modernliteraturehavingattainedthehonourabledistinctionofsharing，withblackingandMacassaroil，thespacewhichusedtobemonopolisedbyrazor-stropsandthelottery;wherebythatveryenlightenedcommunity，thereadingpublic，istrickedintotheperusalofmuchexemplarynonsense;thoughthefewwhoseethroughthetrickeryhavenoreasontocomplain，sinceas"goodwineneedsnobush，"so，exvioppositi，thesebushesofvenalpanegyricpointoutveryclearlythatthethingstheycelebratearenotworthreading。
　　Thepartydinedverycomfortablyinacornermostremotefromthefire：andMr。Chainmailverysoonfoundhisheadswimmingwithtwoorthreehornsofale，ofapotencytowhichevenhewasunaccustomed。AfterdinnerAp-Llymrymadehimfinishabottleofmead，whichhewillinglyaccepted，bothasanexcusetoremainandasadrinkofthedarkages，whichhehadnodoubtwasagenuinebrewagefromuncorruptedtradition。
　　Inthemeantime，assoonastheclothwasremoved，thechildrenhadbroughtoutMissSusannah’sharp。Shebegan，withoutaffectation，toplayandsingtothechildren，aswashercustomofanafternoon，firstintheirownlanguage，andtheirnationalmelodies，theninEnglish;butshewassooninterruptedbyageneralcalloflittlevoicesfor"Ouf！digiorno。"Shecompliedwiththerequest，andsangtheballadfromPaer’sCamilla："Undicarcoilmulinaro。"Thechildrenwereveryfamiliarwitheverysyllableofthisballad，whichhadbeenoftenfullyexplainedtothem。Theydancedinacirclewiththeburdenofeveryverse，shoutingoutthechoruswithgoodarticulationandjoyousenergy;
　　andattheendofthesecondstanza，wherethetravellerhashisnosepinchedbyhisgrandmother’sghost，everynoseinthepartywasnippedbyapairoflittlefingers。Mr。Chainmail，whowasnotpreparedfortheprocess，cameinforaveryenergetictweakfromachubbygirlthatsprangsuddenlyonhiskneesforthepurpose，andmadetheroofringwithherlaughter。
　　Sopassedthetimetillevening，whenMr。Chainmailmovedtodepart。Butitturnedoutoninquirythathewassomemilesfromhisinn，thatthewaywasintricate，andthathemustnotmakeanydifficultyaboutacceptingthefarmer’shospitalitytillmorning。
　　Theeveningsetinwithrain：thefirewasfoundagreeable;theydrewaroundit。Theyoungladymadetea;andafterwards，fromtimetotime，atMr。Chainmail’sspecialrequest，delightedhisearwithpassagesofancientmusic。Thencameasupperoflaketrout，friedonthespot，andthrown，smokinghot，fromthepantotheplate。
　　Thencameabrewage，whichthefarmercalledhisnightcap，ofwhichheinsistedonMr。Chainmail’stakinghisfullshare。Afterwhichthegentlemanrememberednothingtillheawoke，thenextmorning，tothepleasantconsciousnessthathewasunderthesameroofwithoneofthemostfascinatingcreaturesunderthecanopyofheaven。
　　CHAPTERXVI：THENEWSPAPER
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　　Sprungfromwhatline，adornsthemaidThese，valleysdeepinmountain-shade？
　　PIND。Pyth。IX
　　Mr。ChainmailforgottheCaptainandtherouteofGiraldusdeBarri。Hebecamesuddenlysatisfiedthattheruinedcastleinhispresentneighbourhoodwasthebestpossiblespecimenofitsclass，andthatitwasneedlesstocarryhisresearchesfurther。
　　Hevisitedthefarmdaily：foundhimselfalwayswelcome;flatteredhimselfthattheyoungladysawhimwithpleasure，anddraggedaheavierchainateverynewpartingfromMissSusan，asthechildrencalledhisnymphofthemountains。Whatmightbehersecondname，hehadvainlyendeavouredtodiscover。
　　Mr。Chainmailwasinlove：butthedeterminationhehadlongbeforeformedandfixedinhismind，tomarryonlyaladyofgentleblood，withoutablotinherescutcheon，repressedthedeclarationsofpassionwhichwereoftenrisingtohislips。Inthemeantimeheleftnomeansuntriedtopluckouttheheartofhermystery。
　　Theyoungladysoondivinedhispassion，andpenetratedhisprejudices。Shebegantolookonhimwithfavourableeyes;butshefearedhernameandparentagewouldpresentaninsuperablebarriertohisfeudalpride。
　　ThingswereinthisstatewhentheCaptainreturned，andunpackedhismapsandbooksintheparlouroftheinn。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Really，Captain，Ifindsomanyobjectsofattractioninthisneighbourhood，thatIwouldgladlypostponeourpurpose。
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Undoubtedlythisneighbourhoodhasmanyattractions;butthereissomethingveryinvitingintheschemeyoulaiddown。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。NodoubtthereissomethingverytemptingintherouteofGiraldusdeBarri。Buttherearebetterthingsinthisvicinityeventhanthat。Totellyouthetruth，Captain，Ihavefalleninlove。
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。What！whileIhavebeenaway？
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Evenso。
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Theplungemusthavebeenverysudden，ifyouarealreadyoverheadandears。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。AsdeepasLlyn-y-dreiddiad-vrawd。
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Andwhatmaythatbe？
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Apoolnotfaroff：aresting-placeofamountainstreamwhichissaidtohavenobottom。Thereisatraditionconnectedwithit;andhereisaballadonit，atyourservice。
　　LLYN-Y-DREIDDIAD-VRAWD。
　　THEPOOLOFTHEDIVINGFRIAR。
　　Gwenwynwynwithdrewfromthefeastsofhishall：
　　Hesleptverylittle，heprayednotatall：
　　Hepondered，andwandered，andstudiedalone;
　　Andsought，nightandday，thephilosopher’sstone。
　　Hefounditatlength，andhemadeitsfirstproofByturningtogoldalltheleadofhisroof：
　　Thenheboughtsomemagnanimousheroes，allfire，Wholivedbuttosmiteandbesmittenforhire。
　　Withtheseontheplainslikeatorrenthebroke;
　　Hefilledthewholecountrywithflameandwithsmoke;
　　Hekilledalltheswine，andhebroachedallthewine;
　　Hedroveoffthesheep，andthebeeves，andthekine;
　　Hetookcastlesandtowns;hecutshortlimbsandlives;
　　Hemadeorphansandwidowsofchildrenandwives：
　　Thiscoursemanyyearshetriumphantlyran，Anddidmischiefenoughtobecalledagreatman。
　　When，atlast，hehadgainedallforwhichheheldstriven，Hebethoughthimofbuyingapassporttoheaven;
　　Goodandgreatashewas，yethedidnotwellknow，Howsoon，orwhichway，hisgreatspiritmightgo。
　　Hesoughtthegreyfriars，whobesideawildstream，Refectedtheirframesonaprimitivescheme;
　　ThegravestandwisestGwenwynwynfoundout，Alllonelyandghostly，andanglingfortrout。
　　Belowthewhitedashofamightycascade，Whereapoolofthestreamadeepresting-placemade，Androck-rootedoaksstretchedtheirbranchesonhigh，Thefriarstoodmusing，andthrowinghisfly。
　　TohimsaidGwenwynwyn，"Hold，father，here’sstore，Forthegoodofthechurch，andthegoodofthepoor;"
　　Thenhegavehimthestone;but，eremorehecouldspeak，Wrathcameonthefriar，soholyandmeek。
　　Hehadstretchedforthhishandtoreceivetheredgold，AndhethoughthimselfmockedbyGwenwynwyntheBold;
　　Andinscornofthegift，andinrageatthegiver，Hejerkeditimmediatelyintotheriver。
　　Gwenwynwyn，aghast，notasyllablespake;
　　Thephilosopher’sstonemadeaduckandadrake;
　　Twosystemsofcirclesamomentwereseen，Andthestreamsmoothedthemoff，astheyneverhadbeen。
　　Gwenwynwynregained，andupliftedhisvoice，"Ohfriar，greyfriar，fullrashwasthychoice;
　　Thestone，thegoodstone，whichawaythouhastthrown，Wasthestoneofallstones，thephilosopher’sstone。"
　　Thefriarlookedpale，whenhiserrorheknew;
　　Thefriarlookedred，andthefriarlookedblue;
　　Andheelsoverhead，fromthepointofarock，Heplunged，withoutstoppingtopulloffhisfrock。
　　Hedivedverydeep，buthedivedallinvain，Theprizehehadslightedhefoundnotagain;
　　Manytimesdidthefriarhisdivingrenew，Anddeeperanddeepertheriverstillgrew。
　　Gwenwynwyngazedlong，ofhissensesindoubt，Toseethegreyfriaradiversostout;
　　Thensadlyandslowlyhiscastlehesought，Andleftthefriardiving，likedabchickdistraught。
　　Gwenwynwynfellsickwithalarmanddespite，Died，andwenttothedevil，theverysamenight;
　　ThemagnanimousheroesheheldinhispaySackedhiscastle，andmarchedwiththeplunderaway。
　　NoknellonthesilenceofmidnightwasrolledFortheflightofthesoulofGwenwynwyntheBold。
　　Thebrethren，unfeed，letthemightyghostpass，Withoutprayingaprayer，orintoningamass。
　　Thefriarhauntedeverbesidethedarkstream;
　　Thephilosopher’sstonewashisthoughtandhisdream：
　　Anddayafterday，everheadunderheelsHedivedallthetimehecouldsparefromhismeals。
　　Hedived，andhedived，totheendofhisdays，Asthepeasantsoftwitnessedwithfearandamaze。
　　Themadfriar’sdiving-placelongwastheirtheme，Andnoplummetcanfathomthatpoolofthestream。
　　Andstill，whenlightcloudsonthemidnightwindsride，Ifbymoonlightyoustrayontheloneriver-side，Theghostofthefriarmaybeseendivingthere，Withheadinthewater，andheelsintheair。
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Well，yourballadisverypleasant：youshallshowmethescene，andIwillsketchit;butjustnowIammoreinterestedaboutyourlove。Whatheroineofthetwelfthcenturyhasrisenfromtheruinsoftheoldcastle，andlookeddownonyoufromtheiviedbattlements？
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Youarenearerthemarkthanyousuppose。Evenfromthosebattlementsaheroineofthetwelfthcenturyhaslookeddownonme。
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Oh！somevisionofanidealbeauty。Isupposethewholewillendinanothertraditionandaballad。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Genuinefleshandblood;asgenuineasLadyClarinda。Iwilltellyouthestory。
　　Mr。Chainmailnarratedhisadventures。
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Thenyouseemtohavefoundwhatyouwished。
　　Chancehasthrowninyourwaywhatnoneofthegodswouldhaveventuredtopromiseyou。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Yes，butIknownothingofherbirthandparentage。
　　Shetellsmenothingofherself，andIhavenorighttoquestionherdirectly。
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Sheappearstobeexpresslydestinedforthelightofyourbaronialhall。Introducemeinthiscase，twoheadsarebetterthanone。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。No，Ithankyou。Leavemetomanagemychanceofaprize，andkeepyoutoyourownchanceofa-
　　CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Blank。Asyouplease。Well，Iwillpitchmytenthere，tillIhavefilledmyportfolio，andshallbegladofasmuchofyourcompanyasyoucansparefrommoreattractivesociety。
　　Matterswentonprettysmoothlyforseveraldays，whenanunluckynewspaperthrewallintoconfusion。Mr。Chainmailreceivednewspapersbythepost，whichcameinthreetimesaweek。Onemorning，overtheirhalf-finishedbreakfast，theCaptainhadreadhalfanewspaperverycomplacently，whensuddenlyhestartedupinafrenzy，hurledoverthebreakfasttable，and，bouncingfromtheapartment，knockeddownHarryApHeather，whowascominginatthedoortochallengehissupposedrivaltoaboxing-match。
　　Harrysprangup，inadoublerage，andinterceptedMr。Chainmail’spursuitoftheCaptain，placinghimselfinthedoorway，inapugilisticattitude。Mr。Chainmail，notbeingdisposedforthismodeofcombat，steppedbackintotheparlour，tookthepokerinhisrighthand，anddisplacingtheloosebottomofalargeelbowchair，threwitoverhisleftarmasashield。Harry，notlikingtheaspectoftheenemyinthisimposingattitude，retreatedwithbackwardstepsintothekitchen，andtumbledoveracur，whichimmediatelyfastenedonhisrear。
　　Mr。Chainmail，half-laughing，half-vexed，anxioustoovertaketheCaptain，andcurioustoknowwhatwasthematterwithhim，pocketedthenewspaper，andsalliedforth，leavingHarryroaringforadoctorandtailor，torepairthelacerationsofhisoutwardman。
　　Mr。ChainmailcouldfindnotraceoftheCaptain。Indeed，hesoughthimbutinonedirection，whichwasthatleadingtothefarm;wherehearrivedinduetime，andfoundMissSusanalone。Helaidthenewspaperonthetable，aswashiscustom，andproceededtoconversewiththeyounglady：aconversationofmanypauses，asmuchofsignsasofwords。Theyoungladytookupthepaper，andturneditoverandover，whileshelistenedtoMr。Chainmail，whomshefoundeverydaymoreandmoreagreeable，whensuddenlyhereyeglancedonsomethingwhichmadeherchangecolour，anddroppingthepaperontheground，sherosefromherseat，exclaiming：
　　"Miserablemustshebewhotrustsanyofyourfaithlesssex！never，never，never，willIenduresuchmiserytwice。"Andshevanishedupthestairs。Mr。Chainmailwaspetrified。Atlength，hecriedaloud："CorneliusAgrippamusthavelaidaspellonthisaccursednewspaper;"andwasturningitover，tolookforthesourceofthemischief，whenMrs。ApLlymrymadeherappearance。
　　MRS。APLLYMRY。WhathaveyoudonetopoordearMissSusan？sheiscryingreadytobreakherheart。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。SohelpmethememoryofRichardCoeur-de-Lion，I
　　havenotthemostdistantnotionofwhatisthematter。
　　MRS。APLLYMRY。Oh，don’ttellme，sir;youmusthaveill-usedher。Iknowhowitis。Youhavebeenkeepingcompanywithher，asifyouwantedtomarryher;andnow，allatonce，youhavebeeninsultingher。Ihaveseensuchtricksmorethanonce，andyououghttobeashamedofyourself。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Mydearmadam，youwrongmeutterly。Ihavenonebutthekindestfeelingsandthemosthonourablepurposestowardsher。Shehasbeendisturbedbysomethingshehasseeninthisrascallypaper。
　　MRS。APLLYMRY。Why，then，thebestthingyoucandoistogoaway，andcomeagaintomorrow。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。NotI，indeed，madam。OutofthishouseIstirnot，tillIhaveseentheyounglady，andobtainedafullexplanation。
　　MRS。APLLYMRY。IwilltellMissSusanwhatyousay。Perhapsshewillcomedown。
　　Mr。Chainmailsatwithasmuchpatienceashecouldcommand，runningoverthepaper，fromcolumntocolumn。AtlengthhelightedonanannouncementoftheapproachingmarriageofLadyClarindaBossnowlwithMr。Crotchettheyounger。ThisexplainedtheCaptain’sdiscomposure，butthecauseofMissSusan’swasstilltobesought：hecouldnotknowthatitwasoneandthesame。
　　Presently，thesoundofthelonged-forstepwasheardonthestairs;theyoungladyreappeared，andresumedherseat：hereyesshowedthatshehadbeenweeping。Thegentlemanwasnowexceedinglypuzzledhowtobegin，buttheyoungladyrelievedhimbyasking，withgreatsimplicity："Whatdoyouwishtohaveexplained，sir？"
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Iwish，ifImaybepermitted，toexplainmyselftoyou。YetcouldIfirstwishtoknowwhatitwasthatdisturbedyouinthisunluckypaper。HappyshouldIbeifIcouldremovethecauseofyourinquietude！
　　MISSSUSANNAH。Thecauseisalreadyremoved。Isawsomethingthatexcitedpainfulrecollections;nothingthatIcouldnowwishotherwisethanasitis。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Yet，mayIaskwhyitisthatIfindonesoaccomplishedlivinginthisobscurity，andpassingonlybythenameofMissSusan？
　　MISSSUSANNAH。Theworldandmynamearenotfriends。Ihavelefttheworld，andwishtoremainforeverastrangertoallwhomI
　　onceknewinit。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Youcanhavedonenothingtodishonouryourname。
　　MISSSUSANNAH。No，sir。Myfatherhasdonethatofwhichtheworlddisapproves，inmattersofwhichIpretendnottojudge。I
　　havesufferedforitasIwillneversufferagain。Mynameismyownsecret：Ihavenoother，andthatisonenotworthknowing。
　　YouseewhatIam，andallIam。Iliveaccordingtotheconditionofmypresentfortune，andhere，soliving，Ihavefoundtranquillity。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Yet，Ientreatyou，tellmeyourname。
　　MISSSUSANNAH。Why，sir？
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Why，buttothrowmyhand，myheart，myfortune，atyourfeet，if。
　　MISSSUSANNAH。Ifmynamebeworthyofthem。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，nay，notso;ifyourhandandheartarefree。
　　MISSSUSANNAH。Myhandandheartarefree;buttheymustbesoughtfrommyself，andnotfrommyname。
　　Shefixedhereyesonhim，withamingledexpressionofmistrust，ofkindness，andoffixedresolution，whichthefar-goneinamoratofoundirresistible。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。ThenfromyourselfaloneIseekthem。
　　MISSSUSANNAH。Reflect。Youhaveprejudicesonthescoreofparentage。Ihavenotconversedwithyousooftenwithoutknowingwhattheyare。Choosebetweenthemandme。Itoohavemyownprejudicesonthescoreofpersonalpride。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Iwouldchooseyoufromalltheworld，wereyoueventhedaughteroftheexecuteurdeshautesoeuvres，astheheroineofaromanticstoryIoncereadturnedouttobe。
　　MISSSUSANNAH。Iamsatisfied。Youhavenowarighttoknowmyhistory，andifyourepent，Iabsolveyoufromallobligations。
　　Shetoldhimherhistory;buthewasoutofthereachofrepentance。"Itistrue，"asatasubsequentperiodhesaidtothecaptain，"sheisthedaughterofamoney-changer：onewho，inthedaysofRichardtheFirst，wouldhavebeenpluckedbythebeardinthestreets：butsheis，accordingtomodernnotions，aladyofgentleblood。Astoherfather’srunningaway，thatisaminorconsideration：Ihavealwaysunderstood，fromMr。MacQuedy，whoisagreatoracleinthisway，thatpromisestopayoughtnottobekept;theessenceofasafeandeconomicalcurrencybeinganinterminableseriesofbrokenpromises。Thereseemstobeadifferenceamongthelearnedastothewayinwhichthepromisesoughttobebroken;butIamnotdeepenoughinthiscasuistrytoenterintosuchnicedistinctions。"
　　Inafewdaystherewasawedding，apatheticleave-takingofthefarmer’sfamily，ahundredkissesfromthebridetothechildren，andpromisestwentytimesreclaimedandrenewed，tovisitthemintheensuingyear。
　　CHAPTERXVII：THEINVITATION
　　Acupofwine，that’sbriskandfine，Anddrinkuntothelemonmine。
　　MasterSilence。
　　ThisveridicoushistorybeganinMay，andtheoccurrencesalreadynarratedhavecarrieditontothemiddleofautumn。SteppingovertheintervaltoChristmas，wefindourselvesinourfirstlocality，amongthechalkhillsoftheThames;andwediscoverouroldfriend，Mr。Crotchet，intheactofacceptinganinvitation，forhimself，andanyfriendswhomightbewithhim，topasstheirChristmasDayatChainmailHall，afterthefashionofthetwelfthcentury。Mr。Crochethadassembledabouthim，forhisownChristmasfestivities，nearlythesamepartywhichwasintroducedtothereaderinthespring。Threeofthatpartywerewanting。
　　Dr。Morbific，byinoculatinghimselfoncetoooftenwithnon-
　　contagiousmatter，hadexplainedhimselfoutoftheworld。Mr。
　　Henbanehadalsodeparted，onthewingsofaninfallibleantidote。
　　Mr。Eavesdrop，havingprintedinamagazinesomeoftheafter-
　　dinnerconversationsofthecastle，hadhadsentenceofexclusionpasseduponhim，onthemotionoftheReverendDoctorFolliott，asaflagitiousviolatoroftheconfidencesofprivatelife。
　　MissCrotchethadbecomeLadyBossnowl，butLadyClarindahadnotyetchangedhernametoCrotchet。Shehad，ononepretenceandanother，procrastinatedthehappyevent，andthegentlemanhadnotbeenverypressing;shehad，however，accompaniedherbrotherandsister-in-law，topassChristmasatCrotchetCastle。Withthese，Mr。MacQuedy，Mr。Philpot，Mr。Trillo，Mr。Skionar，Mr。Toogood，andMr。Firedampweresittingatbreakfast，whentheReverendDoctorFolliottenteredandtookhisseatatthetable。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，Mr。MacQuedy，itisnowsomeweekssincewehavemet：howgoesonthemarchofmind？
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Nay，sir;Ithinkyoumayseethatwithyourowneyes。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Sir，Ihaveseenit，muchtomydiscomfiture。
　　Ithasmarchedintomyrickyard，andsetmystacksonfire，withchemicalmaterials，mostscientificallycompounded。Ithasmarcheduptothedoorofmyvicarage，ahundredandfiftystrong;orderedmetosurrenderhalfmytithes;consumedalltheprovisionsIhadprovidedformyauditfeast，anddrunkupmyoldOctober。Ithasmarchedinthroughmyback-parlourshutters，andoutagainwithmysilverspoons，inthedeadofthenight。Thepolicemanwhohasbeendowntoexaminesaysmyhousehasbeenbrokenopenonthemostscientificprinciples。Allthiscomesofeducation。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Iratherthinkitcomesofpoverty。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。No，sir。Robbery，perhaps，comesofpoverty，butscientificprinciplesofrobberycomeofeducation。Isupposethelearnedfriendhaswrittenasixpennytreatiseonmechanics，andtherascalswhorobbedmehavebeenreadingit。
　　MR。CROTCHET。Yourhousewouldhavebeenverysafe，Doctor，iftheyhadhadnobettersciencethanthelearnedfriend’stoworkwith。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，sir，thatmaybe。Excellentpottedchar。
　　TheLorddelivermefromthelearnedfriend。
　　MR。CROTCHET。Well，Doctor，foryourcomfort，hereisadeclarationofthelearnedfriend’sthathewillnevertakeoffice。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Then，sir，hewillbeinofficenextweek。
　　Peacebewithhim。Sugarandcream。
　　MR。CROTCHET。But，Doctor，areyouforChainmailHallonChristmasDay？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。ThatamI，fortherewillbeanexcellentdinner，though，peradventure，grotesquelyserved。
　　MR。CROTCHET。Ihavenotseenmyneighboursinceheleftusonthecanal。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Hehasmarriedawife，andbroughtherhome。
　　LADYCLARINDA。Indeed！Ifshesuitshim，shemustbeanoddity：
　　itwillbeamusingtoseethemtogether。
　　LORDBOSSNOWL。Veryamusing。He！He！Mr。Firedamp。IsthereanywateraboutChainmailHall？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldmoat。
　　MR。FIREDAMP。Ishalldieofmalaria。
　　MR。TRILLO。Shallwehaveanymusic？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldharper。
　　MR。TRILLO。Thosefellowsarealwayshorridlyoutoftune。Whatwillheplay？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Oldsongsandmarches。
　　MR。SKIONAR。Amongsomanyoldthings，IhopeweshallfindOldPhilosophy。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldwoman。
　　MR。PHILPOT。Perhapsanoldmapoftheriverinthetwelfthcentury。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Nodoubt。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Howmanymoreoldthings？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Oldhospitality;oldwine;oldale;alltheimagesofoldEngland;anoldbutler。
　　MR。TOOGOOD。Shallweallbewelcome？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Heartily;youwillbeslappedontheshoulder，andcalledOldBoy。
　　LORDBOSSNOWL。Ithinkweshouldallgoinouroldclothes。He！
　　He！
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Youwillsitonoldchairs，roundanoldtable，bythelightofoldlamps，suspendedfrompointedarches，which，Mr。Chainmailsays，firstcameintouseinthetwelfthcentury，witholdarmouronthepillarsandoldbannersintheroof。
　　LADYCLARINDA。Andwhatcuriouspieceofantiquityistheladyofthemansion？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Noantiquitythere;none。
　　LADYCLARINDA。Whowasshe？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。ThatIknownot。
　　LADYCLARINDA。Haveyouseenher？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ihave。
　　LADYCLARINDA。Isshepretty？
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。More，——beautiful。AsubjectforthepenofNonnusorthepencilofZeuxis。Featuresofallloveliness，radiantwithallvirtueandintelligence。AfaceforAntigone。A
　　formatonceplumpandsymmetrical，that，ifitbedecoroustodivineitbyexternals，wouldhavebeenamodelfortheVenusofCnidos。Neverwasanythingsogoodlytolookon，thepresentcompanyexcepted;andpoordearMrs。Folliott。Shereadsmoralphilosophy，Mr。MacQuedy，whichindeedshemightaswellletalone;shereadsItalianpoetry，Mr。Skionar;shesingsItalianmusic，Mr。Trillo;but，withallthis，shehasthegreatestoffemalevirtues，forshesuperintendsthehouseholdandlooksafterherhusband’sdinner。Ibelieveshewasamountaineer：[Greektext]{1}asNonnussweetlysings。
　　CHAPTERXVIII：CHAINMAILHALL
　　Vousautresdictesqueignoranceestmeredetousmaulx，etdictesvray：maistoutesfoysvousnelabannissezmyedevosentendemens，etvivezenelle，avecqueselle，etparelle。C’estpourquoytantdemaulxvousmeshaignentdejourenjour。——RABELIAS，1。5。c。7。
　　ThepartywhichwasassembledonChristmasDayinChainmailHallcomprisedalltheguestsofCrotchetCastle，someofMr。
　　Chainmail’sotherneighbours，allhistenantsanddomestics，andCaptainFitzchrome。Thehallwasspaciousandlofty;andwithitstallflutedpillarsandpointedarches，itswindowsofstainedglass，itsdisplayofarmsandbannersintermingledwithhollyandmistletoe，itsblazingcressetsandtorches，andastupendousfireinthecentre，onwhichblocksofpinewereflamingandcrackling，hadastrikingeffectoneyesunaccustomedtosuchadining-room。
　　Thefirewasopenonallsides，andthesmokewascaughtandcarriedbackunderafunnel-formedcanopyintoahollowcentralpillar。Thisfirewasthelineofdemarcationbetweengentleandsimpleondaysofhighfestival。Tablesextendedfromitontwosidestonearlytheendofthehall。
　　Mrs。Chainmailwasintroducedtothecompany。YoungCrotchetfeltsomerevulsionoffeelingattheunexpectedsightofonewhomhehadforsaken，butnotforgotten，inaconditionapparentlysomuchhappierthanhisown。Theladyheldoutherhandtohimwithacordiallookofmorethanforgiveness;itseemedtosaythatshehadmuchtothankhimfor。Shewasthepictureofahappybride，rayonnantedejoieetd’amour。
　　Mr。CrotchettoldtheReverendDoctorFolliottthenewsofthemorning。"Asyoupredicted，"hesaid，"yourfriend，thelearnedfriend，isinoffice;hehasalsoatitle;heisnowSirGuydeVaux。"
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Thankheavenforthat！heisdisarmedfromfurthermischief。Itissomething，atanyrate，tohavethathollowandwind-shakenreedrootedupforeverfromthefieldofpublicdelusion。
　　MR。CROTCHET。Isuppose，Doctor，youdonotliketoseeagreatreformerinoffice;youareafraidforyourvestedinterests。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。NotI，indeed，sir;myvestedinterestsareverysafefromallsuchreformersasthelearnedfriend。I
　　vaticinatewhatwillbetheupshotofallhisschemesofreform。
　　Hewillmakeaspeechofsevenhours’duration，andthiswillbeitsquintessence：that，seeingtheexceedingdifficultyofputtingsaltonthebird’stail，itwillbeexpedienttoconsiderthebestmethodofthrowingdustinthebird’seyes。Alltherestwillbe[Greektextinverse]
　　asAristophaneshasit;andsoIleavehim，inNephelococcygia。
　　Mr。MacQuedycameuptothedivineasMr。Crotchetlefthim，andsaid："Thereisonepieceofnewswhichtheoldgentlemanhasnottoldyou。ThegreatfirmofCatchflatandCompany，inwhichyoungCrotchetisapartner，hasstoppedpayment。"
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Blessme！thataccountsfortheyounggentleman’smelancholy。Ithoughttheywouldoverreachthemselveswiththeirowntricks。Thedayofreckoning，Mr。MacQuedy，isthepointwhichyourpaper-moneysciencealwaysleavesoutofview。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Idonotsee，sir，thatthefailureofCatchflatandCompanyhasanythingtodowithmyscience。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ithasthistodowithit，sir，thatyouwouldturnthewholenationintoagreatpaper-moneyshop，andtakenothoughtofthedayofreckoning。Butthedinneriscoming。I
　　thinkyou，whoaresofondofpaperpromises，shoulddineonthebilloffare。
　　Theharperattheheadofthehallstruckupanancientmarch，andthedisheswerebroughtin，ingrandprocession。
　　Theboar’shead，garnishedwithrosemary，withacitroninitsmouth，ledthevan。Thencametureensofplum-porridge;thenaseriesofturkeys，andinthemidstofthemanenormoussausage，whichitrequiredtwomentocarry。Thencamegeeseandcapons，tonguesandhams，theancientgloryoftheChristmaspie，agiganticplumpudding，apyramidofmincepies，andabaronofbeefbringinguptherear。
　　"Itissomethingnewunderthesun，"saidthedivine，ashesatdown，"toseeagreatdinnerwithoutfish。"
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Fishwasforfastsinthetwelfthcentury。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，sir，Ipreferourreformedsystemofputtingfastsandfeaststogether。Notbuthereisampleindemnity。
　　Aleandwineflowedinabundance。Thedinnerpassedoffmerrily：
　　theoldharperplayingallthewhiletheoldestmusicinhisrepertory。Thetablesbeingcleared，heindemnifiedhimselfforlosttimeatthelowerendofthehall，incompanywiththeoldbutlerandtheotherdomestics，whoseattendanceonthebanquethadbeenindispensable。
　　TheschemeofChristmasgambols，whichMr。Chainmailhadlaidfortheevening，wasinterruptedbyatremendousclamourwithout。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Whathavewehere？Mummers？
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，Iknownot。Iexpectnone。
　　"Whoisthere？"headded，approachingthedoorofthehall。
　　"Whoisthere？"vociferatedthedivine，withthevoiceofStentor。
　　"CaptainSwing，"repliedachorusofdiscordantvoices。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ho，ho！hereisapieceofthedarkageswedidnotbargainfor。HereistheJacquerie。Hereisthemarchofmindwithawitness。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Doyounotseethatyouhavebroughtdisparatestogether？theJacquerieandthemarchofmind。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Notatall，sir。Theyarethesamething，underdifferentnames。[Greektext]。WhatwasJacquerieinthedarkagesisthemarchofmindinthisveryenlightenedone——veryenlightenedone。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Thecauseisthesameinboth;povertyindespair。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Verylikely;buttheeffectisextremelydisagreeable。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Itisthenaturalresult，Mr。MacQuedy，ofthatsystemofstateseamanshipwhichyourscienceupholds。
　　Puttingthecrewonshortallowance，anddoublingtherationsoftheofficers，isthesurewaytomakeamutinyonboardashipindistress，Mr。MacQuedy。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，Iupholdnosuchsystemasthat。Ishallsetyourightastocauseandeffect。Discontentariseswiththeincreaseofinformation。Thatisall。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Isaiditwasthemarchofmind。Butwehavenottimefordiscussingcauseandeffectnow。Letusgetridoftheenemy。
　　Andhevociferatedatthetopofhisvoice，"Whatdoyouwanthere？""Arms，arms，"repliedahundredvoices，"Giveusthearms。"
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Yousee，Mr。Chainmail，thisistheinconvenienceofkeepinganarmourynotfortifiedwithsandbags，greenbags，andoldbagsofallkinds。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Justgivethemtheoldspitsandtoastingirons，andtheywillgoawayquietly。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Myspearsandswords！notwithoutmylife。Theseassailantsareallalienstomylandandhouse。Mymenwillfightforme，oneandall。Thisisthefortressofbeefandale。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，whentherabbleisup，itisveryindiscriminating。Youaree’ensufferingforthesinsofSirSimonSteeltrapandthelike，whohavepushedtheprincipleofaccumulationalittletoofar。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Thewaytokeepthepeopledowniskindandliberalusage。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Thatisverywell（whereitcanbeafforded）inthewayofprevention;butinthewayofcuretheoperationmustbemoredrastic。（Takingdownabattle-axe。）Iwouldfainhaveagoodblunderbusschargedwithslugs。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。WhenIsuspendedthesearmsforornament，Ineverdreamedoftheirbeingcalledintouse。
　　MR。SKIONAR。Letmeaddressthem。Ineverfailedtoconvinceanaudiencethatthebestthingtheycoulddowastogoaway。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，Icanbringthemtothatconclusioninlesstimethanyou。
　　MR。CROTCHET。Ihavenofancyforfighting。Itisaveryhardcaseuponaguest，whenthelatterendofafeastisthebeginningofafray。
　　MR。MACQUEDY。Givethemtheoldiron。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Givethemtheweapons！Pessimo，mediusfidius，exemplo。ForbiditthespiritofFrereJeandesEntommeures！No！
　　letusseewhatthechurchmilitant，inthearmourofthetwelfthcentury，willdoagainstthemarchofmind。Followmewhowill，andstaywholist。Heregoes：Proarisetfocis！thatis，fortithepigsandfirestoroastthem。
　　Heclappedahelmetonhishead，seizedalonglance，threwopenthegates，andtiltedoutontherabble，sidebysidewithMr。
　　Chainmail，followedbythegreaterportionofthemaleinmatesofthehall，whohadarmedthemselvesatrandom。
　　Therabble-rout，beingunpreparedforsuchasortie，fledinalldirections，overhedgeandditch。
　　Mr。Trillostayedinthehall，playingamarchontheharp，toinspirittheresttosallyout。Thewater-lovingMr。Philpothaddilutedhimselfwithsomuchwineastobequitehorsdecombat。
　　Mr。Toogood，intendingtoequiphimselfinpurelydefensivearmour，contrivedtoslipaponderouscoatofmailoverhisshoulders，whichpinionedhisarmstohissides;andinthiscondition，likeachickentrussedforroasting，hewasthrowndownbehindapillarinthefirstrushofthesortie。Mr。Crotchetseizedtheoccurrenceasapretextforstayingwithhim，andpassedthewholetimeoftheactioninpickinghimoutofhisshell。
　　"Phew！"saidthedivine，returning;"aningloriousvictory;butitdeservesadevilandabowlofpunch。"
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Awassail-bowl。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。No，sir。Nomoreofthetwelfthcenturyforme。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，Doctor。Thetwelfthcenturyhasbackedyouwell。Itsmannersandhabits，itscommunityofkindfeelingsbetweenmasterandman，arethetrueremedyfortheseebullitions。
　　MR。TOOGOOD。Somethinglikeit：improvedbymydiagram：artsforarms。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Nowassail-bowlforme。Givemeanunsophisticatedbowlofpunch，whichbelongstothatblissfulmiddleperiod，aftertheJacqueriewasdown，andbeforethemarchofmindwasup。But，see，whoisflounderinginthewater？
　　Proceedingtotheedgeofthemoat，theyfishedupMr。Firedamp，whohadmissedhiswayback，andtumbledin。Hewasdrawnout，exclaiming，"thathehadtakenhislastdoseofmalariainthisworld。"
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Tut，man;dryclothes，aturkey’slegandrump，welldevilled，andaquartofstrongpunch，willsetalltorights。
　　"Woodembers，"saidMr。Firedamp，whenhehadbeenaccommodatedwithachangeofclothes，"thereisnoantidotetomalarialikethesmokeofwoodembers;pineembers。"Andheplacedhimself，withhismouthopen，closebythefire。
　　REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Punch，sir，punch：thereisnoantidotelikepunch。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。Well，Doctor，youshallbeindulged。ButIshallhavemywassail-bowl，nevertheless。
　　Animmensebowlofspicedwine，withroastedappleshissingonitssurface，wasborneintothehallbyfourmen，followedbyanemptybowlofthesamedimensions，withallthematerialsofarrackpunch，forthedivine’sespecialbrewage。Heaccingedhimselftothetaskwithhisusualheroism，andhavingfinishedittohisentiresatisfaction，remindedhishosttoorderinthedevilREV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ithink，Mr。Chainmail，wecanamuseourselvesverywellhereallnight。Theenemymaybestillexcubant：andwehadbetternotdispersetilldaylight。Iamperfectlysatisfiedwithmyquarters。Lettheyoungfolkgoonwiththeirgambols;letthemdancetoyouroldharper’sminstrelsy;andiftheypleasetokissunderthemistletoe，whereofIespyagoodlybunchsuspendedattheendofthehall，letthosewholikeitnotleaveittothosewhodo。Moreover，ifamongthemoresedateportionoftheassembly，which，Iforesee，willkeepmecompany，therewereanytorevivethegoodoldcustomofsingingaftersupper，sotofilluptheintervalsofthedances，thestepsofnightwouldmovemorelightly。
　　MR。CHAINMAIL。MySusanwillsettheexample，aftershehassetthatofjoiningintherusticdance，accordingtogoodcustomslongdeparted。
　　Afterthefirstdance，inwhichallclassesofthecompanymingled，theyoungladyofthemansiontookherharp，andfollowingthereverendgentleman’ssuggestion，sangasongofthetwelfthcentury。
　　FLORENCEANDBLANCHFLOR。
　　FlorenceandBlanchflor，loveliestmaids，Withinasummergrove，Amidtheflower-enamelledshadesTogethertalkedoflove。
　　AclerksweetBlanchflor’shearthadgain’d;
　　FairFlorencelovedaknight：
　　AndeachwithardentvoicemaintainedShelovedtheworthiestwight。
　　SweetBlanchflorpraisedherscholardear，Ascourteous，kind，andtrue！
　　FairFlorencesaidherchevalierCouldeveryfoesubdue。
　　AndFlorencescornedthebookwormvain，Whoswordnorspearcouldraise;
　　AndBlanchflorscornedtheunletteredbrainCouldsingnolady’spraise。
　　Fromdearestlove，themaidensbrightTodeadlyhatredfell，Eachturnedtoshuntheother’ssight，Andneithersaidfarewell。
　　Thekingofbirds，whoheldhiscourtWithinthatflowerygrove，Sangloudly："’TwillberaredisportTojudgethissuitoflove。"
　　Beforehimcamethemaidensbright，Withallhisbirdsaround，Tojudgethecause，ifclerkorknightInlovebeworthiestfound。
　　Thefalconandthesparrow-hawkStoodforwardforthefight：
　　Readytodo，andnottotalk，Theyvotedfortheknight。
　　AndBlanchflor’sheartbegantofail，Tillrosethestrong-voicedlark，And，afterhim，thenightingale，Andpleadedfortheclerk。
　　Thenightingaleprevailedatlength，Herpleadinghadsuchcharms;
　　Soeloquencecanconquerstrength，Andartscanconquerarms。
　　ThelovelyFlorencetoreherhair，Anddiedupontheplace;
　　AndallthebirdsassembledthereBewailedthemournfulcase。
　　TheypiledupleavesandfloweretsrareAbovethemaidenbright，Andsang："FarewelltoFlorencefair，Whotoowelllovedherknight。"
　　Severalothersofthepartysangintheintervalsofthedances。
　　Mr。ChainmailhandedtoMr。Trilloanotherballadofthetwelfthcentury，ofamerriercharacterthantheformer。Mr。Trilloreadilyaccommodateditwithanair，andsang：
　　THEPRIESTANDTHEMULBERRYTREE。
　　Didyouhearofthecuratewhomountedhismare，Andmerrilytrottedalongtothefair？
　　Ofcreaturemoretractablenoneeverheard;
　　Intheheightofherspeedshewouldstopataword，Andagainwithaword，whenthecuratesaidHey，Sheputforthhermettle，andgallopedaway。
　　Asneartothegatesofthecityherode，WhilethesunofSeptemberallbrilliantlyglowed，Thegoodpriestdiscovered，witheyesofdesire，Amulberrytreeinahedgeofwildbriar，Onboughslongandlofty，inmanyagreenshoot，Hunglarge，black，andglossy，thebeautifulfruit。
　　Thecuratewashungry，andthirstytoboot;
　　Heshrunkfromthethorns，thoughhelongedforthefruit;
　　Withawordhearrestedhiscourser’skeenspeed，Andhestooduperectonthebackofhissteed;
　　Onthesaddlehestood，whilethecreaturestoodstill，Andhegatheredthefruit，tillhetookhisgoodfill。
　　"Surenever，"hethought，"wasacreaturesorare，Sodocile，sotrue，asmyexcellentmare。
　　Lo，here，howIstand"（andhegazedallaround），"Assafeandassteadyasifontheground，Yethowhaditbeen，ifsometravellerthisway，Had，dreamingnomischief，butchancedtocryHey？"
　　Hestoodwithhisheadinthemulberrytree，Andhespokeoutaloudinhisfondreverie。
　　Atthesoundoftheword，thegoodmaremadeapush，Anddownwentthepriestinthewild-briarbush。
　　Herememberedtoolate，onhisthornygreenbed，Muchthatwellmaybethoughtcannotwiselybesaid。
　　LadyClarinda，beingprevailedontotaketheharpinherturn，sangthefollowingstanzas。
　　Inthedaysofold，Loversfelttruepassion，DeemingyearsofsorrowByasmilerepaid。
　　Nowthecharmsofgold，Spellsofprideandfashion，BidthemsaygoodmorrowTothebest-lovedmaid。
　　Throughtheforestswild，O’erthemountainslonely，TheywereneverwearyHonourtopursue。
　　IfthedamselsmiledOnceinsevenyearsonly，AlltheirwanderingsdrearyAmpleguerdonknew。
　　Nowoneday’scapriceWeighsdownyearsofsmiling，Youthfulheartsarerovers，Loveisboughtandsold：
　　Fortune’sgiftsmaycease，Loveislessbeguiling;
　　WisestweretheloversInthedaysofold。
　　Theglancewhichshethrewatthecaptain，asshesangthelastverse，awakenedhisdormanthopes。Lookingroundforhisrival，hesawthathewasnotinthehall;and，approachingtheladyofhisheart，hereceivedoneofthesweetestsmilesoftheirearlierdays。
　　Afteratime，theladies，andallthefemalesoftheparty，retired。Themalesremainedondutywithpunchandwassail，anddroppedoffonebyoneintosweetforgetfulness;sothatwhentherisingsunofDecemberlookedthroughthepaintedwindowsonmoulderingembersandflickeringlamps，thevaultedroofwasechoingtoamellifluousconcertofnoses，fromtheclarionetofthewaiting-boyatoneendofthehall，tothedoublebassoftheReverendDoctor，ringingovertheemptypunch-bowl，attheother。
　　CONCLUSION
　　Fromthiseventfulnight，youngCrotchetwasseennomoreonEnglishmould。WhitherhehadvanishedwasaquestionthatcouldnomorebeansweredinhiscasethaninthatofKingArthurafterthebattleofCamlan。ThegreatfirmofCatchflatandCompanyfiguredintheGazette，andpaidsixpenceinthepound;anditwasclearthathehadshrunkfromexhibitinghimselfonthesceneofhisformergreatness，shornofthebeamsofhispaperprosperity。
　　Somesupposedhimtobesleepingamongtheundiscoverablesecretsofsomebarbel-poolintheThames;butthosewhoknewhimbestweremoreinclinedtotheopinionthathehadgoneacrosstheAtlantic，withhispocketsfullofsurpluscapital，tojoinhisoldacquaintance，Mr。Touchandgo，inthebankofDotandcarryonetown。
　　LadyClarindawasmoresorryforherfather’sdisappointmentthanherown;butshehadtoomuchpridetoallowherselftobeputupasecondtimeinthemoney-market;andwhentheCaptainrenewedhisassiduities，heroldpartialityforhim，combiningwithasenseofgratitudeforadegreeofconstancywhichsheknewshescarcelydeserved，inducedher，withLordFoolincourt’shard-wrungconsent，tosharewithhimamorehumble，butlessprecariousfortune，thanthattowhichshehadbeendestinedasthepriceofarottenborough。
　　Footnotes：
　　{1}Amountain-wanderingmaid，Twin-nourishedwiththesolitarywood。