And no man spoke, but I myself, and all day long and all night I cursed him out loud for the sound of my own voice, since no other might speak to me.

For the silence and the darkness pressed upon me like the churchyard mould, and I kept my wits only by cursing.

Blight him! Blight him! And now they say--But they may say what they will so they leave me in peace, for I know--and you know"-- and he bent forward confidentially--"it's the King that's mad, and soon everyone will know it.

Blight him! Blight him! Oh--an effectual fervent curse indeed!" "We are grateful to you," I said, "for food and shelter.

We have money, we will pay." "As you will.