"
He proceeded to walk up the glen, resolving that their place of combat
should be in the entrance of the Corri-nan-shian; both because the
spot, lying under the reputation of being haunted, was very little
frequented, and also because he regarded it as a place which to him
might be termed fated, and which he therefore resolved should witness
his death or victory. They walked up the glen for some time in
silence, like honourable enemies who did not wish to contend with
words, and who had nothing friendly to exchange with each other.
Silence, however, was always an irksome state with Sir Piercie and,
moreover, his anger was usually a hasty and short-lived passion. As,
therefore, he went forth, in his own idea, in all love and honour
towards his antagonist, he saw not any cause for submitting longer to
the painful restraint of positive silence. He began by complimenting
Halbert on the alert activity with which he surmounted the obstacles
and impediments of the way.
"Trust me," said he, "worthy rustic, we have not a lighter or a firmer
step in our courtlike revels, and if duly set forth by a silk hose,
and trained unto that stately exercise, your leg would make an
indifferent good show in a pavin or a galliard. And I doubt nothing,"
he added, "that you have availed yourself of some opportunity to
improve yourself in the art of fence, which is more akin than dancing
to our present purpose?"
"I know nothing more of fencing," said Halbert, "than hath been taught
me by an old shepherd of ours, called Martin, and at whiles a lesson
from Christie of the Clinthill--for the rest, I must trust to good
sword, strong arm, and sound heart.
Pages:
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372