Page:Crotchet Castle - Peacock (1831).djvu/295

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CHAINMAIL HALL.
283

life. These assailants are all aliens to my land and house. My men will fight for me, one and all. This is the fortress of beef and ale.

MR. MAC QUEDY.

Eh! sir, when the rabble is up, it is very indiscriminating. You are e'en suffering for the sins of Sir Simon Steeltrap, and the like, who have pushed the principle of accumulation a little too far.

MR. CHAINMAIL.

The way to keep the people down, is kind and liberal usage.

MR. MAC QUEDY.

That is very well, (where it can be afforded,) in the way of prevention; but in the way of cure, the operation must be more drastic. (Taking down a battle-axe.) I would fain