Neville, who entered with other officers, added his
remonstrances.
"Nay, nay, make not a needless halloo about a hart that the
hounds have lost, or a danger when it is over," said the King.
"The wound will be a trifle, for the blood is scarce drawn--an
angry cat had dealt a deeper scratch. And for me, I have but to
take a drachm of orvietan by way of precaution, though it is
needless."
Thus spoke Richard, a little ashamed, perhaps, of his own
condescension, though sanctioned both by humanity and gratitude.
But when Neville continued to make remonstrances on the peril to
his royal person, the King imposed silence on him.
"Peace, I prithee--make no more of it. I did it but to show
these ignorant, prejudiced knaves how they might help each other
when these cowardly caitiffs come against us with sarbacanes and
poisoned shafts. But," he added, "take thee this Nubian to thy
quarters, Neville--I have changed my mind touching him--let him
be well cared for. But hark in thine ear; see that he escapes
thee not--there is more in him than seems.
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