I say this unsavoury-seeming clapper-claw is yet neither one
nor other, but a goodly knight, famous in battle, joust and tourney, a
potent lord of noble heritage, known to the world as Sir Pertinax of Shene
Castle and divers rich manors and demesnes. Furthermore, I that do seem a
sorry jesting-fellow, I that in antic habit go, that cut ye capers with
ass's ears a-dangle and languish here your fellow in bonds, am yet no
antic, no poor, motley Fool, but a duke and lord of many fair towns
and rich cities beyond Morfeville and the Southward March. How say ye,
brothers?"
"That thou'rt a fool!" quoth Rick.
"True!" nodded Jocelyn.
"Most true!" sighed Sir Pertinax.
"And a liar!" growled Gurth.
"And a murderous rogue!" cried Will, "and shall hang, along of us--as I'm a
tanner!"
"Alack, Sir Knight," smiled Jocelyn, "of what avail rank or fame or both
'gainst a motley habit and a ragged mantle. Thus, Pertinax, thou art
no more than what thou seemest, to wit--a poor, fierce rogue, and I, a
beggarly stroller.
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