For as there is nothing more noble and blessed than to fight in behalf of those whom we love, so to fight in our own private behalf is a thing not to be allowed to a Christian man, unless refusal imports utter loss of life or honor; and even then, it may be (though I would not lay a burden on any man's conscience), it is better not to resist evil, but to overcome it with good." "And I can tell you, Will," said Amyas, "I am not troubled with fear of ghosts; but when I cut off the Frenchman's head, I said to myself, 'If that braggart had been slandering me instead of her gracious majesty, I should expect to see that head lying on my pillow every time I went to bed at night.'" "God forbid!" said Will, with a shudder.

"But what shall I do?
for to the market tomorrow I will go, if it were choke-full of Coffins, and a ghost in each coffin of the lot." "Leave the matter to me," said Amyas.

"I have my device, as well as scholar Frank here; and if there be, as I suppose there must be, a quarrel in the market to-morrow, see if I do not--" "Well, you are two good fellows," said Will.

"Let us have another tankard in." "And drink the health of Mr.Coffin, and all gallant lads of the North," said Frank; "and now to my business.

I have to take this runaway youth here home to his mother; and if he will not go quietly, I have orders to carry him across my saddle." "I hope your nag has a strong back, then," said Amyas; "but I must go on and see Sir Richard, Frank.