Waverley Novels Volume 9; Ivanhoe (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 Excerpt: ...if he will not consent--basta--I can but go away home again. Kind service cannot be chucked from hand to hand like a shuttlecock or stool-ball. I'll hang for no man but my own bora master." "Go, then, noble Cedric," said Athelstane, "neglect not this opportunity. Your presence without may encourage friends to our rescue--your remaining here would ruin us all." "And is there any prospect, then, of rescue from without?" said Cedric, looking to the Jester. "Prospect, indeed " echoed Wamba; "let me tell you, when you fill my cloak, you are wrapped in a general's cassock. Five hundred men are there without, and I was this morning one of their chief leaders. My fool's cap was a casque, and my bauble a truncheon. Well, we shall see what good they will make by exchanging a fool for a wise man. Truly, I fear they will lose in valour what they may gain in discretion. And so farewell, master, and be kind to poor Gurth and his dog Fangs; and let my cockscomb hang in the hall at Rotherwood, in memory that I flung away my life for my master, like a faithful fool." The last word came out with a sort of double expression, betwixt jest and earnest. The tears stood in Cedric's eyes. "Thy memory shall be preserved," he said, "while fidelity and affection have honour upon earth But that I trust I shall find the means of saving Rowena, and thee, Athelstane, and thee also, my poor Wamba, thou shouldst not overbear jme in this matter." The exchange of dress was now accomplished, when a sudden doubt struck Cedric. "I know no language," he said, "but my own, and a few words of their mincing Norman. How shall I bear myself like a reverend brother?" "The spell lies in two words, ..".