Gurth, whose occupation, though now held so mean, gave him as much

consequence in Saxon England as that of Eumaeus in Ithaca, was offended

at the familiar and commanding tone assumed by the Palmer. "The Jew

leaving Rotherwood," said he, raising himself on his elbow, and looking

superciliously at him without quitting his pallet, "and travelling in

company with the Palmer to boot--"

"I should as soon have dreamt," said Wamba, who entered the apartment at

the instant, "of his stealing away with a gammon of bacon."

"Nevertheless," said Gurth, again laying down his head on the wooden log

which served him for a pillow, "both Jew and Gentile must be content to

abide the opening of the great gate--we suffer no visitors to depart by

stealth at these unseasonable hours."

"Nevertheless," said the Pilgrim, in a commanding tone, "you will not, I

think, refuse me that favour."

So saying, he stooped over the bed of the recumbent swineherd, and

whispered something in his ear in Saxon. Gurth started up as if

electrified. The Pilgrim, raising his finger in an attitude as if to

express caution, added, "Gurth, beware--thou are wont to be prudent. I

say, undo the postern--thou shalt know more anon."

With hasty alacrity Gurth obeyed him, while Wamba and the Jew followed,

both wondering at the sudden change in the swineherd's demeanour. "My

mule, my mule!" said the Jew, as soon as they stood without the postern.

"Fetch him his mule," said the Pilgrim; "and, hearest thou,--let me have

another, that I may bear him company till he is beyond these parts--I

will return it safely to some of Cedric's train at Ashby. And do

thou"--he whispered the rest in Gurth's ear.

"Willingly, most willingly shall it be done," said Gurth, and instantly

departed to execute the commission.

"I wish I knew," said Wamba, when his comrade's back was turned, "what

you Palmers learn in the Holy Land."

"To say our orisons, fool," answered the Pilgrim, "to repent our sins,

and to mortify ourselves with fastings, vigils, and long prayers."

"Something more potent than that," answered the Jester; "for when would

repentance or prayer make Gurth do a courtesy, or fasting or vigil

persuade him to lend you a mule?--I trow you might as well have told his

favourite black boar of thy vigils and penance, and wouldst have gotten

as civil an answer."

"Go to," said the Pilgrim, "thou art but a Saxon fool."




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