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。