"Pho!" cries she, and stamping her foot turns her back on me. "Here am I yearning to show you all these hidden marvels, Martin, but I never will until you beg me--no, never! And now 'tis time you took your medicine."
"What medicine?" I questioned, wondering.
"'Tis a soothing draught I have decocted from some of my simples--it will make you sleep."
"But I have no mind to sleep!"
"'Tis why you must drink your potion."
"Never in this world!" says I, mighty determined.
"Why yes you will, dear Martin," says she gently, but setting her dimpled chin at me. "I'll go fetch it." And away she goes forthwith and is presently back bearing an embossed cup (like unto a little porringer) and of gold curiously ornamented.
"Here is a noble cup!" says I.
"In these secret caves, Martin, is nothing that is not beautiful. The walls are all hung with rich arras, the floors adorned with marvellous rugs and carpets. And there are many pictures excellent well painted. Pirate and wicked as he was, Black Bartlemy understood and loved beautiful things."
"Aye, he did so!" says I, scowling.
"And amongst these pictures is one of himself."
"How should you know this?"
"Because, were you shaven, Martin, this might pass for picture of you, though to be sure your expression is different--except when you scowl as you do now, sir. Come, take your medicine like a good Martin!" And here she sets the cup to my lips.
"No!" says I.
"Yes, Martin! 'Tis sleep you need, and sleep you shall have. For indeed I do long to hear you at work again and whistling. So drink it for my sake, Martin! Indeed, 'tis none so very bitter!"
So in the end I swallowed the stuff to be done with it. And in a while (sure enough) I grew drowsy, and limping into the cave, stared to behold my bed no longer a heap of bracken but a real bed with sheets and pillows, such indeed as I had not slept in for many a long day. Thus, instead of throwing myself down all dressed, as I had been minded, I laid aside my rough clothes lest they soil this dainty gear, and, getting into bed, joyed in the feel of these cool, white sheets, and closing my eyes, fell to dreamless slumber.