Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/106

 here and go down to the hazels with nought but my sword in my fist, and thou shalt have the shield; but I warn thee that Fiddle-bow is a good blade.

Said Osberne, and smiled: Well I wot that, if thou get in but one downright stroke on me, little shall my shield avail me against Fiddle-bow. Yet I take thine offer and thank thee for it. But this forthinketh me, that if thou live out this day thou wilt still betake thee to the same insolency and greediness and wrong-doing as thou hast shown yesterday and this morning.

Hardcastle laughed roughly and said: Well, lad, I deem thou art right; wherefore slay me hardily if thou mayest, and rid the world of me. Yet hearken, of all my deeds I have no shame at all; though folk say some of them were ugly let it be.

Therewith came Stephen into the hall, and he did them to wit that the hazels were pitched, and now he squinted no more.