For, mother, who can touch pitch and not be defiled ?" "You waste time, Excellency," replied his visitor with a snort.

"What do you want ?" "Well, in the interests of this young lady, I want to prove that this man _is_ a heretic, and it has struck me that--as one accustomed to this sort of thing--you might be able to find the evidence." "Indeed, Excellency, and has it struck you what my face would look like after I had thrust my head into a wasp's nest for your amusement?
Do you know what it means to me if I go peering about among the heretics of Leyden?
Well, I will tell you; it means that I should be killed.

They are a strong lot, and a determined lot, and so long as you leave them alone they will leave you alone, but if you interfere with them, why then it is good night.

Oh! yes, I know all about the law and the priests and the edicts and the Emperor.

But the Emperor cannot burn a whole people, and though I hate them, I tell you," she added, standing up suddenly and speaking in a fierce, convinced voice, "that in the end the law and the edicts and the priests will get the worst of this fight.
Yes, these Hollanders will beat them all and cut the throats of you Spaniards, and thrust those of you who are left alive out of their country, and spit upon your memories and worship God in their own fashion, and be proud and free, when you are dogs gnawing the bones of your greatness; dogs kicked back into your kennels to rot there.