The psalm ended, the drum beat a thundering roll, and the procession moved forward in the direction of the church.
Master Pory having left me, to take his place among his brethren of the Council, and the mob of those who had come to purchase and of the curious idle having streamed away at the heels of the marshal and his officers, I found myself alone in the square, save for the singer, who now descended from the pillory and came up to me.
"Captain Ralph Percy, if I mistake not ?" he said, in a voice as deep and rich as the bass of an organ.
"The same," I answered.

"And you are Master Jeremy Sparrow ?" "Yea, a silly preacher,--the poorest, meekest, and lowliest of the Lord's servitors." His deep voice, magnificent frame, and bold and free address so gave the lie to the humility of his words that I had much ado to keep from laughing.

He saw, and his face, which was of a cast most martial, flashed into a smile, like sunshine on a scarred cliff.
"You laugh in your sleeve," he said good-humoredly, "and yet I am but what I profess to be.

In spirit I am a very Job, though nature hath fit to dress me as a Samson.

I assure you, I am worse misfitted than is Master Yardstick yonder in those Falstaffian hose.