Page:Narrative of the extraordinary adventures of four Russian sailors (2).pdf/23

 my lord ; he says he will not bate of a single blow,— Here they all ran down to have a view of this rarity of a fisherman. ' A fine fish ! cried the marquis : ' What is your demand, my friend ? You shall be paid on the instant. ' Not a quatrini, my lord ; I will not take money : if you would have my fish, you must order me a 100 lashes of the strapaddo upon my naked back ; if not I shall go and apply elsewhere.' ' Rather than lose your fish,' says his highness, ' let the fellow have his humour.'—' Here! (he cried to one of his grooms) discharge this honest man's demand ; but don't lay on over hard ; don't hurt the poor Devil very much.' The fisherman then stripped, and the groom prepared to put his lord's orders in execution. ' Now, my friend,' cried the fishmonger, ' keep good account, I beseech you, for I am not covetous of a single stroke beyond my due.' They all stood suspending in amaze, while this operation was carrying on. At length, on the instant that the executioner had given the fiftieth lash, ' Hold !' cried the fisherman, ' I have