Then turning toward Willy, —

“And nothing more?”

“Nothing but the glory,” quoth Willy, “at which there is always such a clatter of feet upon the floor, and creaking of benches, and rustling of gowns, and bustle of bonnets, and justle of cushions, and dust of mats, and treading of toes, and punching of elbows, from the spitefuller, that one wishes to be fairly out of it, after the scramble for the peace of god is at an end—­”

Sir Thomas threw himself back upon his armchair, and exclaimed in wonderment, “How!”

William Shakspeare.

“—­and in the midst of the service again, were it possible.  For nothing is painfuller than to have the pail shaken off the head when it is brim-full of the waters of life, and we are walking staidly under it.”

Sir Thomas.

“Had the learned Doctor preached again in the evening, pursuing the thread of his discourse, he might, peradventure, have made up the deficiencies I find in him.”

William Shakspeare.

“He had not that opportunity.”

Sir Thomas.

“The more’s the pity.”

William Shakspeare.

“The evening admonition, delivered by him unto the household—­”

Sir Thomas.

“What! and did he indeed shew wind enough for that?  Prithee out with it, if thou didst put it into thy tablets.”

William Shakspeare.

“Alack, sir! there were so many Latin words, I fear me I should be at fault in such attempt.”

Sir Thomas.

“Fear not; we can help thee out between us, were there a dozen or a score.”

William Shakspeare.

“Bating those latinities, I do verily think I could tie up again most of the points in his doublet.”

Sir Thomas.

“At him then!  What was his bearing?”

William Shakspeare.

“In dividing his matter, he spooned out and apportioned the commons in his discourse, as best suited the quality, capacity, and constitution of his hearers.  To those in priests’ orders he delivered a sort of catechism.”

Sir Silas.

“He catechise grown men!  He catechise men in priests’ orders!—­ being no bishop, nor bishop’s ordinary!”

William Shakspeare.

“He did so; it may be at his peril.”

Sir Thomas.

“And what else? for catechisms are baby’s pap.”

William Shakspeare.

“He did not catechise, but he admonished the richer gentlemen with gold tassels for their top-knots.”

Sir Silas.