Page:Ivanhoe (1820 Volume 3).pdf/324

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agitation, I have had nothing but hurried journies, indigestions, blows and bruises, imprisonment and starvation; besides that they can only end in the murder of some thousands of quiet folks. I tell you, I will be king on my own domains, and no where else; and my first act of dominion shall be to hang the Abbot."

"And my ward Rowena," said Cedric—"I trust you intend not to desert her?"

"Father Cedric," said Athelstane, "be reasonable. The Lady Rowena cares not for me—she loves the little finger of my kinsman Wilfrid's glove better than my whole person. There she stands to avouch it—Nay, blush not, kinswoman, there is no shame in loving a courtly knight better than a country franklin—and do not laugh, neither, Rowena, for grave-clothes and a thin-visage are, God knows, no matter of merriment—Nay, an thou wilt needs laugh, I will find thee a better jest—Give me thy hand, or rather lend it me, for I but ask it in the way of friendship.—Here, cousin Wilfrid of Ivanhoe, in, thy favour I renounce and abjure——Hey! by Saint