"But in one respect I am of your 'worthy and singular good' client's, opinion, and would rather trust to my own hand for the defence of my property than to the law to keep it for me." "Then you would do wrong, good Master Nicholas," rejoined Potts, with a smile of supreme contempt; "for the law is the better guardian and the stronger adversary of the two, and so Sir Thomas will find if he takes my advice, and obtains, as he can and will do, a perfect title _juris et seisinae conjunctionem_." "Sir Thomas is still willing to refer the case to my arbitrament, I believe, sir ?" demanded Sir Ralph, uneasily.
"He was so, Sir Ralph," rejoined Potts, "unless the assaults and batteries, with intent to do him grievous corporeal hurt, which he hath sustained from your relatives, have induced a change of mind in him.

But as I premised, Sir Ralph, I am a man of peace, and willing to intermediate." "Provided you get your fee, master lawyer," observed Nicholas, sarcastically.
"Certainly, I object not to the _quiddam honorarium_, Master Nicholas," rejoined Potts; "and if my client hath the _quid pro quo_, and gaineth his point, he cannot complain .-- But what is this?
Some fresh disturbance!" "Something hath happened to the May Queen," cried Nicholas.
"I trust not," said Sir Ralph, with real concern.

"Ha! she has fainted.
They are bringing her this way.

Poor maid! what can have occasioned this sudden seizure ?" "I think I could give a guess," muttered Nicholas.

"Better remove her to the Abbey," he added aloud to the knight.
"You are right," said Sir Ralph.