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. 93
" Master Holdenough," said the Colonel, "if you speak figuratively, I
have already told you that I have neither the means nor the skill sufficient
to temper these religious heats. But if you design to say that there has
been an actual apparition of the devil, I presume to think that you, with
your doctrine and your learning, would be a fitter match for him than a
soldier like me."
" True, sir; and I have that confidence in the commission which I hold,
that I would take the field against the foul fiend without a moment's delay,"
said Holdenough; " but the place in which he hath of late appeared, being
Woodstock, is filled with those dangerous and impious persons, of whom I
have been but now complaining; and though, confident in my own resources,
I dare venture in disputation with their Great Master himself; yet without
your protection, most worthy Colonel, I see not that I may with prudence
trust myself with the tossing and goring ox Desborough, or the bloody and
devouring bear Harrison, or the cold and poisonous snake Bletson -all of
whom are now at the Lodge, doing license and taking spoil as they think
meet; and, as all men say, the devil hath come to make a fourth with
them."
" In good truth, worthy and noble sir," said the Mayor, " it is even as
Master Holdenough says-our privileges are declared void, our cattle seized
in the very pastures. They talk of cutting down and disparking the fair
Chase, which has been so long the pleasure of so many kings, and making
Woodstock of as little note as any paltry village. I assure you we heard
of your arrival with joy, and wondered at your keeping yourself so close
in your lodgings. We know no one save your father or you, that are like
to stand the poor burgesses' friend in this extremity, since almost all the
gentry around are malignants, and under sequestration. We trust, therefore, you will make strong intercession in our behalf."
"Certainly, Master Mayor," said the Colonel, who saw himself with
pleasure anticipated; "it was my very purpose to have interfered in this
matter; and I did but keep myself alone until I should be furnished with
some authority from the Lord-General."
"Powers from the Lord-General!" said the Mayor, thrusting the clergyman with his elbow- " Dost thou hear that? -What cock will fight that
cock? -We shall carry it now over their necks, and Woodstock shall be
brave Woodstock still!"
" Keep thine elbow from my side, friend," said Holdenough, annoyed by
the action which the Mayor had suited to his words; "and may the Lord
send that Cromwell prove not as sharp to the people of England as thy
bones against my person! Yet I approve that we should use his authority
to stop the course of these men's proceedings."
" Let us set out, then," said Colonel Everard; "and I trust we shall find
the gentlemen reasonable and obedient."
The functionaries, laic and clerical, assented with much joy; and the
Colonel required and received Wildrake's assistance in putting on his cloak
and rapier, as if he had been the dependent whose part he acted. The
cavalier contrived, however, while doing him these menial offices, to give his
friend a shrewd pinch, in order to maintain the footing of secret equality
betwixt them.
The Colonel was saluted, as they passed through the streets, by many of
the anxious inhabitants, who seemed to consider his intervention as affording
the only chance of saving their fine Park, and the rights of the corporation,
as well as of individuals, from ruin and confiscation.
As they entered the Park, the Colonel asked his companions, " What i
this you say of apparitions being seen amongst them?"
"Why, Colonel," said the clergyman, "you know yourself that Wo
stock was always haunted?"
"I have Lved therein many a day," said the Colonel; "and I know