Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/54

30 plied, laughing, "Fate will have his joke—I came to die." The second said, "The same. I have strained for one cause, and will crack in the losing on't. It was a good one; I will be out of breath in it." The third said, "Ask me not, for we four brothers can understand by signs." Christian folded them each in his arms, and blessed them in the great name of liberty, saying, "This is all I can." When his mind was a little calmed, he fell to deliberation, hoping to find some means by which to lift his standard once more. In the evening he was carried before the king, who, having great judgment, was fully aware of the nobleness of Christian's nature, and designed to sport with him. He kept him standing like a groom, often looking upon him, without noticing him, and trifling with his courtiers in jest. At last he said, "Christian, as a rebel to your anointed king, you are doomed to death; but, as I know thee, thou rare bird, I will save thee on one condition. Barely say that thou wilt live at peace with me, and no longer choke with thy valour my free way; and I will come down, and with my own hands undo those chains." Christian replied (smiling with contempt), "Thou dost not know me, thou fool, or thou hadst not made so idle a request. Nay, no more talk; despatch me in thy wrath. I tell