For myself, I am inefficient to the great work, having
this morning touched an unclean animal. Ask, therefore, no
further questions; it is enough that, by sparing this man's life
at my request, you will deliver yourself, great King, and thy
servant, from a great danger."
"Hark thee, Adonbec," replied the King, "I have no objection that
leeches should wrap their words in mist, and pretend to derive
knowledge from the stars; but when you bid Richard Plantagenet
fear that a danger will fall upon HIM from some idle omen, or
omitted ceremonial, you speak to no ignorant Saxon, or doting old
woman, who foregoes her purpose because a hare crosses the path,
a raven croaks, or a cat sneezes."
"I cannot hinder your doubt of my words," said Adonbec; "but yet
let my Lord the King grant that truth is on the tongue of his
servant--will he think it just to deprive the world, and every
wretch who may suffer by the pains which so lately reduced him to
that couch, of the benefit of this most virtuous talisman, rather
than extend his forgiveness to one poor criminal? Bethink you,
Lord King, that, though thou canst slay thousands, thou canst not
restore one man to health.
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