The rose-stems were long and hard, and the thorns on them pointed and sharp as daggers.

How nicely they would pierce the flesh, and how he would yell and screw his face, the good-natured fool! "Yes, yes, let him take off his coat, and we will whip him!" cried the Duchess of Richmond; and the women, all joining in the cry, rushed like furies upon John Heywood, and forced him to lay aside his silk upper garment.

Then they hurried to the vases, snatched out the bouquets, and with busy hands picked out the longest and stoutest stems.

And loud were their exclamations of satisfaction, if the thorns were right and sharp, such as would penetrate the flesh of the offender right deeply.

The king's laughter and shouts of approval animated them more and more, and made them more excited and furious.