The Waverley novels, by Sir Walter Scott, complete in 12 vol., printed from the latest English ed., embracing the author's last corrections, prefaces & notes.

WOODSTOCK.' 233
religion; I have not forgotten my mother-tongue —but I have come hither
to speak the language of the Master of kings and princes."
"To fence with broomsticks, I should rather suppose," said the King -
"Come, Doctor Rochecliffe, this sudden fit of assumed importance befits you
as little as your late frolic. You are not, I apprehend, either a Catholic
priest or a Scotch Mass-John to claim devoted obedience from your hearers,
but a Church-of-England-man, subject to the rules of that Communion-and
to its HEAD." In speaking the last words, the King lowered his voice to a
low and impressive whisper. Everard observing this drew back, the natural
generosity of his temper directing him to avoid overhearing private discourse,
in which the safety of the speakers might be deeply concerned. They continued, however, to observe great caution in their forms of expression.
"Master Kerneguy," said the clergyman, "it is not I who assume
authority or control over your wishes- God forbid; I do but tell you what
reason, Scripture, religion, and morality, alike prescribe for your rule of
conduct."
"And I, Doctor," said the King, smiling, and pointing to the unlucky
cane, " will take your example rather than your precept. If a reverend
clergyman will himself fight a bout at single-stick, what right can he have
to interfere in gentlemen's quarrels? -Come, sir, remove yourself, and do
not let your present obstinacy cancel former obligations."
" Bethink yourself," said the divine, -" I can say one word which will
prevent all this."
" Do it," replied the King, "and in doing so belie the whole tenor and
actions of an honourable life - abandon the principles of your Church, and
become a perjured traitor and an apostate, to prevent another person from
discharging his duty as a gentleman! This were indeed killing your friend
to prevent the risk of his running himself into danger. Let the Passive
Obedience, which is so often in your mouth, and no doubt in your head, put
your feet for once into motion, and step aside for ten minutes. Within that
space your assistance may be needed, either as body-curer or soul-curer."
" Nay, then," said Dr. Rochecliffe, "'I have but one argument left."
While this conversation was carried on apart, Everard had almost forcibly
detained by his own side his follower, Wildrake, whose greater curiosity,
and lesser delicacy, would otherwise have thrust him forward, to get, if
possible, into the secret. But when he saw the Doctor turn into the coppice,
he whispered eagerly to Everard -" A gold Carolus to a commonwealth
farthing, tile Doctor has not only come to preach a peace, but has brought
the principal conditions along with him!"
Everard made no answer; he had already unsheathed his sword; and
Charles hardly saw Rochecliffe's back fairly turned, than he lost no time in
following his example. But, ere they had done more than salute each other,
with the usual courteous flourish of their weapons, Dr. Rochecliffe again
stood between them, leading in his hand Alice Lee, her garments dank with
dew, and her long hair heavy with moisture, and totally uncurled. IIer face
was extremely pale, but it was the paleness of desperate resolution, not of
fear. There was a dead pause of astonishment- the combatants rested on
their swords -and even the forwardness of Wildrake only vented itself in
half-suppressed ejaculations, as, "Well done, Doctor-this beats the'parson
among the pease'- No less than your patron's daughter -And Mistress
Alice, whom I thought a very snowdrop, turned out a dog-violet after alla Lindabrides, by heavens, and altogether one of ourselves."
Excepting these unheeded mutterings, Alice was the first to speak.
" Master Everard," she said - " Master Kerneguy, you are surprised to
see me here - Yet, why should I not tell the reason at once? Convinced
that I am, however guiltlessly, the unhappy cause of your misunderstanding,
I am too much interested to prevent fatal consequences to pause upon
any step which may end it. - Master Kerneguy, have my wishes, my enu2