It may be that my little comrade has been over quick in reproof, he having gone early into the cloisters and seen little of the rough ways and words of the world.

Yet there is truth in what he says, for, as you know well, the song was not of the cleanest.

I shall stand by him, therefore, and he shall neither be put out on the road, nor shall his ears be offended indoors." "Indeed, your high and mighty grace," sneered one of the yeomen, "have you in sooth so ordained ?" "By the Virgin!" said a second, "I think that you may both chance to find yourselves upon the road before long." "And so belabored as to be scarce able to crawl along it," cried a third.
"Nay, I shall go! I shall go!" said Alleyne hurriedly, as Hordle John began to slowly roll up his sleeve, and bare an arm like a leg of mutton.

"I would not have you brawl about me." "Hush! lad," he whispered, "I count them not a fly.

They may find they have more tow on their distaff than they know how to spin.