'Methinks, however, that there is a want of sap about them.

It is not blood, but sour buttermilk that flows in their veins.' 'Nay, nay,' the Mayor responded warmly.

'There you do them an injustice.
Their passions and feelings are under control, as the skilful rider keeps his horse in hand; but they are as surely there as is the speed and endurance of the animal.

Did you observe the godly youth who sat upon your right, whom I had occasion to reprove more than once for over-zeal?
He is a fit example of how a man may take the upper hand of his feelings, and keep them in control.' 'And how has he done so ?' I asked.
'Why, between friends,' quoth the Mayor, 'it was but last Lady-day that he asked the hand of my granddaughter Ruth in marriage.

His time is nearly served, and his father, Sam Derrick, is an honourable craftsman, so that the match would have been no unfitting one.