"You're only matched by the women, who be worse.

Did I not tell you, Humphrey Dexter, my Lady Cantire would be no friend to my sweet mistress?
'Twas in vain the silly child tried to wheedle her over.

Wheedle the Tether Stake! My lady bade her be civil to the Captain, if she would please her step-dame.

And when the maiden put down her little foot at that, she was clapped within walls like a rogue, and fed on bread and water.
Little harm that would have done, had not the captain himself served her as jailer, and every day thrust his evil presence into our company.

I tell thee, Humphrey, that maiden hath fought as well as you or any of them; and shame on your sex, say I, that this devil should be one of you! Ill?
No wonder if she was ill; with not a soul to pity her save a poor old body like me.