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. 59
of Argalus and Parthenia, who, as the story-book tells, were the truest pair
of lovers in all Arcadia, and Oxfordshire to boot."
Old Goody Jcllycot had popped her scarlet hood into the kitchen more
than once while the scene was proceeding; but, as the worthy dame was
parcel blind and more than parcel deaf, knowledge was excluded by two
principal entrances; and though she comprehended, by a sort of general
instinct, that the gentlefolk were at high words, yet why they chose Joceline's hut for the scene of their dispute was as great a mystery as the subject
of the quarrel.
But what was the state of the old cavalier's mood, thus contradicted, as
his most darling principles had been, by the last words of his departing
nephew? The truth is, that he was less thoroughly moved than his daughter
expected; and in all probability his nephew's bold defence of his religious
and political opinions rather pacified than aggravated his displeasure.
Although sufficiently impatient of contradiction, still evasion and subterfuge
were more alien to the blunt old Ranger's nature than manly vindication
and direct opposition; and he was wont to say, that he ever loved the buck
best who stood boldest at bay. Ile graced his nephew's departure, however, with a quotation from Shakspeare, whom, as many others do, he
was wont to quote from a sort of habit and respect, as a favourite of his
unfortunate master, without having either much real taste for his works, or
great skill in applying the passages which he retained on his memory.
"Mark," he said, "mark this, Alice-the devil can quote Scripture for
his purpose. Why, this young fanatic cousin of thine, with no more beard
than I have seen on a clown playing Maid Marion on May-day, when the
village barber had shaved him in too great a hurry, shall match any bearded
Presbyterian or Independent of them all, in laying down his doctrines and
his uses, and bethumping us with his texts and his homilies. I would
worthy and learned Doctor Rochecliffe had been here, with his battery
ready-mounted from the Vulgate, and the Septuagint, and what not —he
would have battered the presbyterian spirit out of him with a wanion.
However, I am glad the young man is no sneaker; for, were a man of the
devil's opinion in religion, and of Old Noll's in politics, he were better open
on it full cry, than deceive you by hunting counter, or running a false
scent. Come-wipe thine eyes-the fray is over, and not like to be stirred
again soon; I trust."
Encouraged by these words, Alice rose, and, bewildered as she was,
endeavoured to superintend the arrangements for their meal and their repose
in their new habitation. But her tears fell so fast, they marred her counterfeited diligence; and it was wvell for her that Phoebe, though too ignorant
and too simple to comprehend the extent of her distress, could afford her
material assistance, in lack of mere sympathy.
With great readiness and address, the damsel set about every thing that
was requisite for preparing the supper and the beds; now screaming into
Dame Jellycot's ear, now whispering into her mistress's, and artfully
managing, as if she was merely the agent, under Alice's orders. When
the cold viands were set forth, Sir Henry Lee kindly pressed his daughter
to take refreshment, as if to make up, indirectly, for his previous harshness
towards her; while he himself, like an experienced campaigner, showed,
that neither the mortifications nor brawls of the day, nor the thoughts of
what was to come to-morrow, could diminish his appetite for supper, which
was his favourite meal. IHe ate up two-thirds of the capon, and, devoting
the first bumper to the happy restoration of Charles, second of the name,
he finished a quart of wine; for he belonged to a school accustomed to feed
the flame of their loyalty with copious brimmers. He even sang a verse
of " The King shall enjoy his own again," in which Phoebe, half-sobbing,
and Dame Jellycot, screaming against time and tune, were contented to
lend their aid, to cover Mistress Alice's silence.