Page:The whole familiar colloquies of Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam.djvu/333

THE FALSE KNIGHT. 329 An, What, so many services 1 and, in the meantime, nobody gives a farthing to the poor. Lu. What ! should we have struck sail 1 Nay, despair made us fight desperately. An. I am afraid it will be but a barren match, if what you say be true. Lu. Nay, we threw our grappling irons. An. This is a novelty indeed ! What, with child before marriage 1 Lu. Had you but seen the conflict, you would have sworn that I fought like a hero. An. Well, I find the marriage was not only made, but consummated too. Lu. We jumped aboard the pirate ship. An. But I admire that they invited you who are a stranger, and did not invite me who am related to the bride's father in the third degree of consanguinity. Lu. We threw them all overboard into the sea. An. You say right. The afflicted have no friends. Lu. We shared all the booty among us. An. I will rally the bride for it the first opportunity I have. Lu. It presently grew very calm ; you would have said it had been the halcyon days. An. If she has money, I have a stomachful spirit. I don't care a fig for her kindness. Lu. And so we brought two ships home instead of one. An. Let him be angry that will. Lu. Where am I going, do you ask 1 ? Why, to church, to make an offering of part of the sail to St. Nicholas. An. I am not at leisure to-day, I expect some friends to dine with me ; at another time I will not refuse.

 

Ha. Can you help me out now with your advice 1 If you can, you shall find I am. neither forgetful nor ungrateful. Ne. I will bring it about that you shall be what you would be. Ha. But it is not in our own power to be born noblemen. Ne. If you are not a noble- man, strive by virtuous actions that yoiir nobility may derive its original from yourself. Ha. That is a long way about. Ne. Then the king will sell it you for a small matter. Ha. But nobility that is purchased with money is ridiculed by the vulgar. Ne. If nobility that is bought be so ridiculous a thing, why are yoxi so fond of being a knight 1 Ha. There are reasons for that, and no slight qnes neither, which I shall freely tell you, if you will but put me in the way of making myself honourable in the opinion of the vulgar. Ne. What signifies the name without the thing ? Ha. But as I have not the substance, I would have the reputation of it. But, my Nestor, give me your advice, and when you hear my reasons you will say it is worth my while. Ne. Well, since you will have it I will tell you : In the first place, remove yourself to a place where you are not known. Ha. Right. Ne. Then work yourself into the acquaintance of young men of quality. Ha. I take you in. Ne. First of all, by this means, people will be apt to judge of you by the company you keep. Ha. They will so. Ne. But then you must be sure to have nothing about you that is vulgar. Ha. As to what do you mean 1 Ne. I speak of your clothes, that they be not made of wool, but silk; but if you cannot go to the price of silk, rather fustian or canvass than cloth. Ha. You are in the right. 