So, an thou wouldst have me ragged and destitute and outlaw, all this will
I be for thy sweet sake since life were nought without thee, O maid I do so
love--how say'st thou?"
"I say to thee, Pertinax, that thy so great love hath loosed thy tongue at
last, Love hath touched thy lips with eloquence beyond all artifice since
now, methinks, it is thy very soul doth speak me. And who shall resist such
wooing? Surely not I that do--love thee beyond telling. So take me, my
lord, thy right hand in mine, the talisman in thy left--so! Now, my
Pertinax, speak thy heart's wish."
"Friar," quoth Sir Pertinax, holding aloft the Crystal Heart, "as her love
is mine and mine hers, wed and unite us in our love--by the magic of this
jewel I do command thee!"
Here, beholding the talisman, Friar John gasped and stared round-eyed and
incredulous.
"By Holy Rood!" he whispered, "'t is indeed the Crystal Heart!"
"And O!" sighed Melissa, "O Friar John, thou dost mind the saying:
"'He that taketh Crystal Heart,
Taketh all and every part!'"
"Aye, truly--truly!" nodded the Friar.
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