But I must not tarry, lest danger be in my rear: therefore, farewell, sweet Matilda; and farewell, noble baron; and farewell, sweet Matilda again, the alpha and omega of father Michael, the first and the last." "Farewell, father," said the baron, a little softened; "and God send you be never assailed by more than fifty men at a time." "Amen," said the friar, "to that good wish." "And we shall meet again, father, I trust," said Matilda.
"When the storm is blown over," said the baron.
"Doubt it not," said the friar, "though flooded Trent were between us, and fifty devils guarded the bridge." He kissed Matilda's forehead, and walked away without a song..