for a parting cup, and wished to know where he was to pass the night; expecting that he should still be pressed to drink; which, if he refused, he should be dismissed with hard knocks, agreeably to the habit of the house. He was surprised, however, to find his request directly complied with; the Knight observing, as he broke off his story, “There is a time for every thing; you shall hear more to-morrow.”
“Excuse me, noble Knight,” replied Frank, “but to-morrow I shall be on my road. I have a long journey before me, as far as Brabant, and must set out early. Let me take my leave, then,—now; I should not wish to disturb your morning rest.”
“As you please,” said the Knight, “only you must not leave my house until I am up; and see that you take a good breakfast. I will then accompany you to the gates, and take leave of you according to the custom of my castle.”
Poor Frank stood in need of no explanation of these words. He would gladly have waived these last ceremonies, upon which the Knight seemed to pique himself so much. He ordered his guest to be shown to his chamber, and Frank soon reposed his weary limbs upon a fine bed of down. Indeed he was inclined to confess before dropping asleep, that such princely entertainment would hardly be too dearly purchased by a trifling drubbing; and viewing only the pleasant side of his subject, only plea-
