But I
leave you to judge them, and to cast them into the cells you deem most
secure and befitting.
"From our Lower Court in the Great Tollgate of Destruction: from the
year of the restoration of my Kingdom, 1670."
After hearing all this, I was itching to know what manner of folk these
seven might be, seeing that the devils themselves feared them so much.
But ere long, the Clerk to the Crown calls them by name, as follows:
"Mister Busybody, alias Finger-in-every-pie." This fellow was so fussily
and busily directing the others, that he had no leisure to answer to his
name until Death threatened to sunder him with his dart. Then, "Mr.
Slanderer, alias Foe-of-Good-Fame," was called, but no response came.
"He is rather bashful to hear his titles," said the third, "he can't
abide the nicknames." "Have you no titles, I wonder?" asked the
Slanderer, "call Mr. Honey-tongued Swaggerer, alias Smoothgulp, alias
Venomsmile." "Here," cried a woman, who was standing near, pointing to
the Swaggerer. "Ha, Madam Huntress!" cried he, "your humble servant; I
am glad to see you well, I never saw a more beautiful woman in breeches,
but woe's me to think how pitiable is the country, having lost in you
such an unrivalled ruler; and yet, your pleasant company will make hell
itself somewhat better.
Pages:
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110