The Saint's Tragedy by Charles Kingsley
page 83 of 249 (33%)
page 83 of 249 (33%)
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Too late, sir, and too seldom--Where have you been
These four months past, while we are sold for bond-slaves Unto a peevish friar? Wal. Why, my fair rosebud-- A trifle overblown, but not less sweet-- I have been pining for you, till my hair Is as gray as any badger's. Isen. I'll not jest. Wal. What? has my wall-eyed Saint shown you his temper? Isen. The first of his peevish fancies was, that she should eat nothing which was not honestly and peaceably come by. Wal. Why, I heard that you too had joined that sect. Isen. And more fool I. But ladies are bound to set an example-- while they are not bound to ask where everything comes from: with her, poor child, scruples and starvation were her daily diet; meal after meal she rose from table empty, unless the Landgrave nodded and winked her to some lawful eatable; till she that used to take her food like an angel, without knowing it, was thinking from morning to night whether she might eat this, that, or the other. Wal. Poor Eves! if the world leaves you innocent, the Church will not. Between the devil and the director, you are sure to get your share of the apples of knowledge. |
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