DameHistoryissoausterealadythatifone，hasbeensoill-advisedastotakealibertywithher，oneshouldhastentomakeamendsbyrepentanceandconfession。Eventshavebeentransposedtotheextentofsomefewmonthsinthisnarrativeinordertopreservethecontinuityandevennessofthestory。I
hopesosmalladivergencemayseemavenialerroraftersomanycenturies。Fortherest，itisasaccurateasagooddealofresearchandhardworkcouldmakeit。
Thematterofdictionisalwaysaquestionoftasteanddiscretioninahistoricalreproduction。Intheyear1350theupperclassesstillspokeNorman-French，thoughtheywerejustbeginningtocondescendtoEnglish。ThelowerclassesspoketheEnglishoftheoriginalPiersPlowmantext，whichwouldbeconsiderablymoreobscurethantheirsuperiors’Frenchifthetwowerenowreproducedorimitated。Themostwhichthechroniclescandoistocatchthecadenceandstyleoftheirtalk，andtoinfusehereandtheresuchadashofthearchaicasmayindicatetheirfashionofspeech。
Iamawarethatthereareincidentswhichmaystrikethemodernreaderasbrutalandrepellent。Itisuseless，however，todrawtheTwentiethCenturyandlabelittheFourteenth。Itwasasternerage，andmen’scodeofmorality，especiallyinmattersofcruelty，wasverydifferent。Thereisnoincidentinthetextforwhichverygoodwarrantmaynotbegiven。ThefantasticgracesofChivalrylayuponthesurfaceoflife，butbeneathitwasahalf-savagepopulation，fierceandanimal，withlittleruthormercy。Itwasaraw，rudeEngland，fullofelementalpassions，andredeemedonlybyelementalvirtues。SuchIhavetriedtodrawit。
Forgoodorbad，manybookshavegonetothebuildingofthisone。
IlookroundmystudytableandIsurveythosewhichliewithmeatthemoment，beforeIhappilydispersethemforever。IseeLaCroix’s“MiddleAges，“Oman’s“ArtofWar，“Rietstap’s“ArmorialGeneral，“DelaBorderie’s“HistoiredeBretagne，“DameBerner’s“BokeofSt。Albans，““TheChronicleofJocelynofBrokeland，“
“TheOldRoad，“Hewitt’s“AncientArmour，“Coussan’s“Heraldry，“
Boutell’s“Arms，“Browne’s“Chaucer’s“England，“Cust’s“ScenesoftheMiddleAges，“Husserand’s“WayfaringLife，“Ward’s“CanterburyPilgrims;“Cornish’s“Chivalry，“Hastings’“BritishArcher，“
Strutt’s“Sports，“JohnesFroissart，Hargrove’s“Archery，“
Longman’s“EdwardIII，“Wright’s“DomesticManners。”WiththeseandmanyothersIhavelivedformonths。IfIhavebeenunabletocombineandtransfertheireffect，thefaultismine。
ARTHURCONANDOYLE。
“UNDERSHAW，“November30，1905。
I。THEHOUSEOFLORING
InthemonthofJulyoftheyear1348，betweenthefeastsofSt。
BenedictandofSt。Swithin，astrangethingcameuponEngland，foroutoftheeasttheredriftedamonstrouscloud，purpleandpiled，heavywithevil，climbingslowlyupthehushedheaven。Intheshadowofthatstrangecloudtheleavesdroopedinthetrees，thebirdsceasedtheircalling，andthecattleandthesheepgatheredcoweringunderthehedges。Agloomfelluponalltheland，andmenstoodwiththeireyesuponthestrangecloudandaheavinessupontheirhearts。Theycreptintothechurcheswherethetremblingpeoplewereblessedandshrivenbythetremblingpriests。Outsidenobirdflew，andtherecamenorustlingfromthewoods，noranyofthehomelysoundsofNature。Allwasstill，andnothingmoved，saveonlythegreatcloudwhichrolledupandonward，withfoldonfoldfromtheblackhorizon。Tothewestwasthelightsummersky，totheeastthisbroodingcloud-bank，creepingeverslowlyacross，untilthelastthinbluegleamfadedawayandthewholevastsweepoftheheavenswasonegreatleadenarch。
Thentherainbegantofall。Alldayitrained，andallthenightandalltheweekandallthemonth，untilfolkhadforgottentheblueheavensandthegleamofthesunshine。Itwasnotheavy，butitwassteadyandcoldandunceasing，sothatthepeoplewerewearyofitshissinganditssplashing，withtheslowdripfromtheeaves。Alwaysthesamethickevilcloudflowedfromeasttowestwiththerainbeneathit。Nonecouldseeformorethanabow-shotfromtheirdwellingsforthedriftingveiloftherain-storms。Everymorningthefolklookedupwardforabreak，buttheireyesrestedalwaysuponthesameendlesscloud，untilatlasttheyceasedtolookup，andtheirheartsdespairedofeverseeingthechange。ItwasrainingatLammas-tideandrainingattheFeastoftheAssumptionandstillrainingatMichaelmas。Thecropsandthehay，soddenandblack，hadrottedinthefields，fortheywerenotworththegarnering。Thesheephaddied，andthecalvesalso，sotherewaslittletokillwhenMartinmascameanditwastimetosaltthemeatforthewinter。Theyfearedafamine，butitwasworsethanfaminewhichwasinstoreforthem。
Fortherainhadceasedatlast，andasicklyautumnsunshoneuponalandwhichwassoakedandsoddenwithwater。Wetandrottenleavesreekedandfesteredunderthefoulhazewhichrosefromthewoods。Thefieldswerespottedwithmonstrousfungiofasizeandcolornevermatchedbefore-scarletandmauveandliverandblack。Itwasasthoughthesickearthhadburstintofoulpustules;mildewandlichenmottledthewalls，andwiththatfilthycropDeathsprangalsofromthewater-soakedearth。Mendied，andwomenandchildren，thebaronofthecastle，thefranklinonthefarm，themonkintheabbeyandthevilleininhiswattle-and-daubcottage。Allbreathedthesamepollutedreekandalldiedthesamedeathofcorruption。Ofthosewhowerestrickennonerecovered，andtheillnesswaseverthesame-grossboils，raving，andtheblackblotcheswhichgaveitsnametothedisease。
Allthroughthewinterthedeadrottedbythewaysideforwantofsomeonetoburythem。Inmanyavillagenosinglemanwasleftalive。Thenatlastthespringcamewithsunshineandhealthandlightnessandlaughter-thegreenest，sweetest，tenderestspringthatEnglandhadeverknown-butonlyhalfofEnglandcouldknowit。Theotherhalfhadpassedawaywiththegreatpurplecloud。
Yetitwasthereinthatstreamofdeath，inthatreekofcorruption，thatthebrighterandfreerEnglandwasborn。Thereinthatdarkhourthefirststreakofthenewdawnwasseen。Forinnowaysavebyagreatupheavalandchangecouldthenationbreakawayfromthatironfeudalsystemwhichheldherlimbs。Butnowitwasanewcountrywhichcameoutfromthatyearofdeath。
Thebaronsweredeadinswaths。Nohighturretnorcunningmoatcouldkeepoutthatblackcommonerwhostruckthemdown。
Oppressivelawsslackenedforwantofthosewhocouldenforcethem，andonceslackenedcouldneverbeenforcedagain。Thelaborerwouldbeaslavenolonger。Thebondsmansnappedhisshackles。Therewasmuchtodoandfewlefttodoit。Thereforethefewshouldbefreemen，nametheirownprice，andworkwhereandforwhomtheywould。ItwastheblackdeathwhichclearedthewayforthatgreatrisingthirtyyearslaterwhichlefttheEnglishpeasantthefreestofhisclassinEurope。
Buttherewerefewsofar-sightedthattheycouldseethathere，asever，goodwascomingoutofevil。Atthemomentmiseryandruinwerebroughtintoeveryfamily。Thedeadcattle，theungarneredcrops，theuntilledlands-everyspringofwealthhaddriedupatthesamemoment。Thosewhowererichbecamepoor;butthosewhowerepooralready，andespeciallythosewhowerepoorwiththeburdenofgentilityupontheirshoulders，foundthemselvesinaperilousstate。AllthroughEnglandthesmallergentrywereruined，fortheyhadnotradesavewar，andtheydrewtheirlivingfromtheworkofothers。Onmanyamanor-housetherecameeviltimes，andonnonemorethanontheManorofTilford，whereformanygenerationsthenoblefamilyoftheLoringshadheldtheirhome。
TherewasatimewhentheLoringshadheldthecountryfromtheNorthDownstotheLakesofFrensham，andwhentheirgrimcastle-keeprisingabovethegreenmeadowswhichbordertheRiverWeyhadbeenthestrongestfortalicebetwixtGuildfordCastleintheeastandWinchesterinthewest。ButtherecamethatBarons’
War，inwhichtheKingusedhisSaxonsubjectsasawhipwithwhichtoscourgehisNormanbarons，andCastleLoring，likesomanyothergreatstrongholds，wassweptfromthefaceoftheland。
>FromthattimetheLorings，withestatessadlycurtailed，livedinwhathadbeenthedower-house，withenoughforsplendor。
AndthencametheirlawsuitwithWaverleyAbbey，andtheCistercianslaidclaimtotheirrichestland，withpeccary，turbaryandfeudalrightsovertheremainder。Itlingeredonforyears，thisgreatlawsuit，andwhenitwasfinishedthemenoftheChurchandthemenoftheLawhaddividedallthatwasrichestoftheestatebetweenthem。Therewasstilllefttheoldmanor-housefromwhichwitheachgenerationtherecameasoldiertoupholdthecreditofthenameandtoshowthefivescarletrosesonthesilvershieldwhereithadalwaysbeenshown-inthevan。ThereweretwelvebronzesinthelittlechapelwhereMatthewthepriestsaidmasseverymorning，allofmenofthehouseofLoring。Twolaywiththeirlegscrossed，asbeingfromtheCrusades。Sixothersrestedtheirfeetuponlions，ashavingdiedinwar。Fouronlylaywiththeeffigyoftheirhoundstoshowthattheyhadpassedinpeace。
Ofthisfamousbutimpoverishedfamily，doublyimpoverishedbylawandbypestilence，twomemberswerelivingintheyearofgrace1349-LadyErmyntrudeLoringandhergrandsonNigel。LadyErmyntrude’shusbandhadfallenbeforetheScottishspearsmenatStirling，andhersonEustace，Nigel’sfather，hadfoundagloriousdeathnineyearsbeforethischronicleopensuponthepoopofaNormangalleyatthesea-fightofSluys。Thelonelyoldwoman，fierceandbroodinglikethefalconmewedinherchamber，wassoftonlytowardtheladwhomshehadbroughtup。Allthetendernessandloveofhernature，sohiddenfromothersthattheycouldnotimaginetheirexistence，werelavisheduponhim。Shecouldnotbearhimawayfromher，andhe，withthatrespectforauthoritywhichtheagedemanded，wouldnotgowithoutherblessingandconsent。
SoitcameaboutthatNigel，withhislionheartandwiththebloodofahundredsoldiersthrillinginhisveins，stillattheageoftwoandtwenty，wastedthewearydaysreclaiminghishawkswithleashandlureortrainingthealansandspanielswhosharedwiththefamilythebigearthen-flooredhallofthemanor-house。
DaybydaytheagedLadyErmyntrudehadseenhimwaxinstrengthandinmanhood，smallofstature，itistrue，butwithmusclesofsteel-andasouloffire。Fromallparts，fromthewardenofGuildfordCastle，fromthetilt-yardofFarnham，talesofhisprowesswerebroughtbacktoher，ofhisdaringasarider，ofhisdebonaircourage，ofhisskillwithallweapons;butstillshe，whohadbothhusbandandsontornfromherbyabloodydeath，couldnotbearthatthis，thelastoftheLorings，thefinalbudofsofamousanoldtree，shouldsharethesamefate。Withawearyheart，butwithasmilingface，heborewithhisuneventfuldays，whileshewouldeverputofftheeviltimeuntiltheharvestwasbetter，untilthemonksofWaverleyshouldgiveupwhattheyhadtaken，untilhisuncleshoulddieandleavemoneyforhisoutfit，oranyotherexcusewithwhichshecouldholdhimtoherside。
Andindeed，therewasneedforamanatTilford，forthestrifebetwixttheAbbeyandthemanor-househadneverbeenappeased，andstillononepretextoranotherthemonkswouldclipoffyetonemoresliceoftheirneighbor’sland。Overthewindingriver，acrossthegreenmeadows，rosetheshortsquaretowerandthehighgraywallsofthegrimAbbey，withitsbelltollingbydayandnight，avoiceofmenaceandofdreadtothelittlehousehold。
ItisintheheartofthegreatCistercianmonasterythatthischronicleofolddaysmusttakeitsstart，aswetracethefeudbetwixtthemonksandthehouseofLoring，withthoseeventstowhichitgavebirth，endingwiththecomingofChandos，thestrangespear-runningofTilfordBridgeandthedeedswithwhichNigelwonfameinthewars。Elsewhere，inthechronicleoftheWhiteCompany，ithasbeensetforthwhatmannerofmanwasNigelLoring。Thosewholovehimmayreadhereinthosethingswhichwenttohismaking。LetusgobacktogetherandgazeuponthisgreenstageofEngland，thescenery，hill，plainandriverevenasnow，theactorsinmuchourveryselves，inmuchalsosochangedinthoughtandactthattheymightbedwellersinanotherworldtoours。
II。HOWTHEDEVILCAMETOWAVERLEY
ThedaywasthefirstofMay，whichwastheFestivaloftheBlessedApostlesPhilipandJames。Theyearwasthe1，349thfromman’ssalvation。
Fromtiercetosext，andthenagainfromsexttonones，AbbotJohnoftheHouseofWaverleyhadbeenseatedinhisstudywhileheconductedthemanyhighdutiesofhisoffice。Allaroundformanyamileoneverysidestretchedthefertileandflourishingestateofwhichhewasthemaster。InthecenterlaythebroadAbbeybuildings，withchurchandcloisters，hospitium，chapter-houseandfrater-house，allbuzzingwithabusylife。Throughtheopenwindowcamethelowhumofthevoicesofthebrethrenastheywalkedinpiousconverseintheambulatorybelow。FromacrossthecloisterthererolledthedistantriseandfallofaGregorianchant，wheretheprecentorwashardatworkuponthechoir，whiledowninthechapter-housesoundedthestridentvoiceofBrotherPeter，expoundingtheruleofSaintBernardtothenovices。
AbbotJohnrosetostretchhiscrampedlimbs。Helookedoutatthegreenswardofthecloister，andatthegracefullineofopenGothicarcheswhichskirtedacoveredwalkforthebrethrenwithin。Twoandtwointheirblack-and-whitegarbwithslowstepandheadsinclined，theypacedroundandround。Severalofthemorestudioushadbroughttheirilluminatingworkfromthescriptorium，andsatinthewarmsunshinewiththeirlittleplattersofpigmentsandpacketsofgold-leafbeforethem，theirshouldersroundedandtheirfacessunklowoverthewhitesheetsofvellum。Theretoowasthecopper-workerwithhisburinandgraver。LearningandartwerenottraditionswiththeCisterciansaswiththeparentOrderoftheBenedictines，andyetthelibraryofWaverleywaswellfilledbothwithpreciousbooksandwithpiousstudents。
ButthetruegloryoftheCistercianlayinhisoutdoorwork，andsoeverandanontherepassedthroughthecloistersomesunburnedmonk，soiledmattockorshovelinhand，withhisgownloopedtohisknee，freshfromthefieldsorthegarden。Thelushgreenwater-meadowsspeckledwiththeheavy-fleecedsheep，theacresofcorn-landreclaimedfromheatherandbracken，thevineyardsonthesouthernslopeofCrooksburyHill，therowsofHankleyfish-ponds，theFrenshammarshesdrainedandsownwithvegetables，thespaciouspigeon-cotes，allcircledthegreatAbbeyroundwiththevisiblelaborsoftheOrder。
TheAbbot’sfullandfloridfaceshonewithaquietcontentashelookedoutathishugebutwell-orderedhousehold。LikeeveryheadofaprosperousAbbey，AbbotJohn，thefourthofthename，wasamanofvariousaccomplishments。Throughhisownchoseninstrumentshehadtoministeragreatestateandtokeeporderanddecorumamongalargebodyofmenlivingacelibatelife。Hewasarigiddisciplinariantowardallbeneathhim，asupplediplomatisttoallabove。Heheldhighdebatewithneighboringabbotsandlords，withbishops，withpapallegates，andevenonoccasionwiththeKing’smajestyhimself。Manywerethesubjectswithwhichhemustbeconversant。Questionsofdoctrine，questionsofbuilding，pointsofforestry，ofagriculture，ofdrainage，offeudallaw，allcametotheAbbotforsettlement。HeheldthescalesofjusticeinalltheAbbeybanlieuewhichstretchedovermanyamileofHampshireandofSurrey。Tothemonkshisdispleasuremightmeanfasting，exiletosomesternercommunity，orevenimprisonmentinchains。Overthelaymanalsohecouldholdanypunishmentsaveonlycorporealdeath，insteadofwhichhehadinhandthefarmoredreadfulweaponofspiritualexcommunication。
SuchwerethepowersoftheAbbot，anditisnowonderthatthereweremasterfullinesintheruddyfeaturesofAbbotJohn，orthatthebrethren，glancingup，shouldputonanevenmeekercarriageandmoredemureexpressionastheysawthewatchfulfaceinthewindowabovethem。
AknockatthedoorofhisstudiorecalledtheAbbottohisimmediateduties，andhereturnedtohisdesk。Alreadyhehadspokenwithhiscellarerandprior，almoner，chaplainandlector，butnowinthetallandgauntmonkwhoobeyedhissummonstoenterherecognizedthemostimportantandalsothemostimportunateofhisagents，BrotherSamuelthesacrist，whoseoffice，correspondingtothatofthelayman’sbailiff，placedthematerialinterestsofthemonasteryanditsdealingswiththeouterworldentirelyunderhiscontrol，subjectonlytothecheckoftheAbbot。BrotherSamuelwasagnarledandstringyoldmonkwhosesternandsharp-featuredfacereflectednolightfromabovebutonlythatsordidworkadayworldtowardwhichitwasforeverturned。Ahugebookofaccountswastuckedunderoneofhisarms，whileagreatbunchofkeyshungfromtheotherhand，abadgeofhisoffice，andalsoonoccasionofimpatienceaweaponofoffense，asmanyascarredheadamongrusticsandlaybrotherscouldtestify。
TheAbbotsighedwearily，forhesufferedmuchatthehandsofhisstrenuousagent。”Well，BrotherSamuel，whatisyourwill？”heasked。
“Holyfather，IhavetoreportthatIhavesoldthewooltoMasterBaldwinofWinchesterattwoshillingsabalemorethanitfetchedlastyear，forthemurrainamongthesheephasraisedtheprice。”
“Youhavedonewell，brother。”
“IhavealsototellyouthatIhavedistrainedWatthewarrenerfromhiscottage，forhisChristmasrentisstillunpaid，northehen-rentsoflastyear。”
“Hehasawifeandfourchildren，brother。”，Hewasagood，easyman，theAbbot，thoughliabletobeoverbornebyhissternersubordinate。
“Itistrue，holyfather;butifIshouldpasshim，thenhowamI
toasktherentoftheforestersofPuttenham，orthehindsinthevillage？，Suchathingspreadsfromhousetohouse，andwherethenisthewealthofWaverley？”
“Whatelse，BrotherSamuel？”
“Thereisthematterofthefish-ponds。”
TheAbbot’sfacebrightened。Itwasasubjectuponwhichhewasanauthority。IftheruleofhisOrderhadrobbedhimofthesofterjoysoflife，hehadthekeener，zestforthosewhichremained。
“Howhavethecharprospered，brother？”
“Theyhavedonewell，holyfather，butthecarphavediedintheAbbot’spond。”
“Carpprosperonlyuponagravelbottom。Theymustbeputinalsointheirdueproportion，threemilterstoonespawner，brothersacrist，andthespotmustbefreefromwind，stonyandsandy，anelldeep，withwillowsandgrassuponthebanks。Mudfortench，brother，gravelforcarp。”
Thesacristleanedforwardwiththefaceofonewhobearstidingsofwoe。”TherearepikeintheAbbot’spond，“saidhe。
“Pike！”criedtheAbbotinhorror。”Aswellshutupawolfinoursheepfold。Howcameapikeinthepond？，Therewerenopikelastyear，andapikedoesnotfallwiththerainnorriseinthesprings。Thepondmustbedrained，orweshallspendnextLentuponstockfish，andhavethebrethrendownwiththegreatsicknessereEasterSundayhascometoabsolveusfromourabstinence。”
“Thepondshallbedrained，holyfather;Ihavealreadyorderedit。Thenweshallplantpot-herbsonthemudbottom，andafterwehavegatheredthemin，returnthefishandwateroncemorefromthelowerpond，sothattheymayfattenamongtherichstubble。”
“Good！”criedtheAbbot。”Iwouldhavethreefish-stewsineverywell-orderedhouse-onedryforherbs，oneshallowforthefryandtheyearlings，andonedeepforthebreedersandthetablefish。Butstill，IhavenotheardyousayhowthepikecameintheAbbot’spond。”
Aspasmofangerpassedoverthefiercefaceofthesacrist，andhiskeysrattledashisbonyhandclaspedthemmoretightly。
“YoungNigelLoring！”saidhe。”Hesworethathewoulddousscathe，andinthiswayhehasdoneit。”
“Howknowyouthis？”
“SixweeksagohewasseendaybydayfishingforpikeatthegreatLakeofFrensham。TwiceatnighthehasbeenmetwithabundleofstrawunderhisarmontheHankleyDown。Well，Iwotthatthestrawwaswetandthatalivepikelaywithinit。”
TheAbbotshookhishead。”Ihaveheardmuchofthisyouth’swildways;butnowindeedhehaspassedallboundsifwhatyousaybetruth。ItwasbadenoughwhenitwassaidthatheslewtheKing’sdeerinWoolmerChase，orbroketheheadofHobbsthechapman，sothathelayforsevendaysbetwixtlifeanddeathinourinfirmary，savedonlybyBrotherPeter’sskillinthepharmaciesofherbs;buttoputpikeintheAbbot’spond-whyshouldheplaysuchadevil’sprank？”
“BecausehehatestheHouseofWaverley，holyfather;becauseheswearsthatweholdhisfather’sland。”
“Inwhichthereissurelysometruth。”
“But，holyfather，weholdnomorethanthelawhasallowed。”
“True，brother，andyetbetweenourselves，wemayadmitthattheheavierpursemayweighdownthescalesofJustice。WhenIhavepassedtheoldhouseandhaveseenthatagedwomanwithherruddledcheeksandherbalefuleyeslookthecursesshedarenotspeak，Ihavemanyatimewishedthatwehadotherneighbors。”
“Thatwecansoonbringabout，holyfather。Indeed，itisofitthatIwishedtospeaktoyou。Surelyitisnothardforustodrivethemfromthecountry-side。Therearethirtyyears’claimsofescuageunsettled，andthereisSergeantWilkins，thelawyerofGuildford，whomIwillwarranttodrawupsucharrearsofduesandrentsandissuesofhidageandfodder-cornthatthesefolk，whoareasbeggarlyastheyareproud，willhavetoselltheroof-treeoverthemeretheycanmeetthem。WithinthreedaysIwillhavethematourmercy。”
“Theyareanancientfamilyandofgoodrepute。Iwouldnottreatthemtooharshly，brother。”
“Bethinkyouofthepikeinthecarppond！”
TheAbbothardenedhisheartatthethought。”Itwasindeedadevil’sdeed-whenwehadbutnewlystockeditwithcharandwithcarp。Well，well，thelawisthelaw，andifyoucanuseittohurt，itisstilllawfultodosoHavetheseclaimsbeenadvanced？”
“DeaconthebailiffwithhistwovarletswentdowntotheHallyesternightonthematteroftheescuage，andcamescreamingbackwiththisyounghotheadragingattheirheels。Heissmallandslight，yethehasthestrengthofmanymeninthehourofhiswrath。Thebailiffswearsthathewillgonomore，savewithhalfascoreofarcherstoupholdhim。”
TheAbbotwasredwithangeratthisnewoffense。”IwillteachhimthattheservantsofHolyChurch，eventhoughweoftheruleofSaintBernardbethelowliestandhumblestofherchildren，canstilldefendtheirownagainstthefrowardandtheviolent！，Go，citethismanbeforetheAbbeycourt。Lethimappearinthechapter-houseaftertierceto-morrow。”
Butthewarysacristshookhishead：“Nay，holyfather，thetimesarenotyetripe。Givemethreedays，Iprayyou，thatmycaseagainsthimmaybecomplete。BearinmindthatthefatherandthegrandfatherofthisunrulysquirewerebothfamousmenoftheirdayandtheforemostknightsintheKing’sownservice，livinginhighhonoranddyingintheirknightlyduty。TheLadyErmyntrudeLoringwasfirstladytotheKing’smother。RogerFitzAlanofFarnhamandSirHughWalcottofGuildfordCastlewereeacholdcomrades-in-armsofNigel’sfather，andsibtohimonthedistaffside。Alreadytherehasbeentalkthatwehavedealtharshlywiththem。Therefore，myredeisthatwebewiseandwaryandwaituntilhiscupbeindeedfull。”
TheAbbothadopenedhismouthtoreply，whentheconsultationwasinterruptedbyamostunwontedbuzzof，excitementfromamongthemonksinthecloisterbelow。Questionsandanswersinexcitedvoicessoundedfromonesideoftheambulatorytotheother。
SacristandAbbotweregazingateachotherinamazementatsuchabreachofthedisciplineanddecorumoftheirwell-trainedflock，whentherecameaswiftstepuponthestair，andawhite-facedbrotherflungopenthedoorandrushedintotheroom。
“FatherAbbot！”hecried。”Alas，alas！，BrotherJohnisdead，andtheholysubpriorisdead，andtheDevilislooseinthefive-
virgatefield！”
III。THEYELLOWHORSEOFCROOKSBURY
Inthosesimpletimestherewasagreatwonderandmysteryinlife。Manwalkedinfearandsolemnity，withHeavenverycloseabovehishead，andHellbelowhisveryfeet。God’svisiblehandwaseverywhere，intherainbowandthecomet，inthethunderandthewind。TheDeviltooragedopenlyupontheearth;heskulkedbehindthehedge-rowsinthegloaming;helaughedloudlyinthenight-time;heclawedthedyingsinner，pouncedontheunbaptizedbabe，andtwistedthelimbsoftheepileptic。Afoulfiendslunkeverbyaman’ssideandwhisperedvillainiesinhisear，whileabovehimtherehoveredanangelofgracewhopointedtothesteepandnarrowtrack。Howcouldonedoubtthesethings，whenPopeandpriestandscholarandKingwereallunitedinbelievingthem，withnosinglevoiceofquestioninthewholewideworld？
Everybookread，everypictureseen，everytaleheardfromnurseormother，alltaughtthesamelesson。Andasamantraveledthroughtheworldhisfaithwouldgrowthefirmer，forgowherehewouldthereweretheendlessshrinesofthesaints，eachwithitsholyrelicinthecenter，andarounditthetraditionofincessantmiracles，withstacksofdesertedcrutchesandsilvervotiveheartstoprovethem。Ateveryturnhewasmadetofeelhowthinwastheveil，andhoweasilyrent，whichscreenedhimfromtheawfuldenizensoftheunseenworld。
Hencethewildannouncementofthefrightenedmonkseemedterribleratherthanincredibletothosewhomheaddressed。TheAbbot’sruddyfacepaledforamoment，itistrue，buthepluckedthecrucifixfromhisdeskandrosevaliantlytohisfeet。
“Leadmetohim！”saidhe。”ShowmethefoulfiendwhodarestolayhisgripuponbrethrenoftheholyhouseofSaintBernard！
Rundowntomychaplain，brother！，Bidhimbringtheexorcistwithhim，andalsotheblessedboxofrelics，andthebonesofSaintJamesfromunderthealtar！，Withtheseandacontriteandhumbleheartwemayshowfronttoallthepowersofdarkness。”
Butthesacristwasofamorecriticalturnofmind。Heclutchedthemonk’sarmwithagripwhichleftitsfivepurplespotsformanyadaytocome。
“IsthisthewaytoentertheAbbot’sownchamber，withoutknockorreverence，orsomuchasa`Paxvobiscum’？”saidhesternly。
“Youwerewonttobeourgentlestnovice，oflowlycarriageinchapter，devoutinpsalmodyandstrictinthecloister。Pullyourwitstogetherandanswermestraightly。Inwhatformhasthefoulfiendappeared，andhowhashedonethisgrievousscathetoourbrethren？，Haveyouseenhimwithyourowneyes，ordoyourepeatfromhearsay？，Speak，man，oryoustandonthepenance-stoolinthechapter-housethisveryhour！”
Thusadjured，thefrightenedmonkgrewcalmerinhisbearing，thoughhiswhitelipsandhisstartledeyes，withthegaspingofhisbreath，toldofhisinwardtremors。
“Ifitpleaseyou，holyfather，andyou，reverendsacrist，itcameaboutinthisway。Jamesthesubprior，andBrotherJohnandIhadspentourdayfromsextonwardonHankley，cuttingbrackenforthecow-houses。Wewerecomingbackoverthefive-virgatefield，andtheholysubpriorwastellingusasaintlytalefromthelifeofSaintGregory，whentherecameasuddensoundlikearushingtorrent，andthefoulfiendsprangoverthehighwallwhichskirtsthewater-meadowandrusheduponuswiththespeedofthewind。
Thelaybrotherhestrucktothegroundandtrampledintothemire。Then，seizingthegoodsubpriorinhisteeth，herushedroundthefield，swinginghimasthoughhewereafardelofoldclothes。
“Amazedatsuchasight，Istoodwithoutmovementandhadsaidacredoandthreeaves，whentheDevildroppedthesubpriorandspranguponme。WiththehelpofSaintBernardIclamberedoverthewall，butnotbeforehisteethhadfoundmyleg，andhehadtornawaythewholebackskirtofmygown。”，Ashespokeheturnedandgavecorroborationtohisstorybythehangingruinsofhislongtrailinggarment。
“InwhatshapethendidSatanappear？”theAbbotdemanded。
“Asagreatyellowhorse，holyfather-amonsterhorse，witheyesoffireandtheteethofagriffin。”
“Ayellowhorse！”Thesacristglaredatthescaredmonk。”Youfoolishbrother！，HowwillyoubehavewhenyouhaveindeedtofacetheKingofTerrorshimselfifyoucanbesofrightenedbythesightofayellowhorse？，ItisthehorseofFranklinAylward，myfather，whichhasbeendistrainedbyusbecauseheowestheAbbeyfiftygoodshillingsandcanneverhopetopayit。Suchahorse，theysay，isnottobefoundbetwixtthisandtheKing’sstablesatWindsor，forhissirewasaSpanishdestrier，andhisdamanArabmareoftheverybreedwhichSaladin，whosesoulnowreeksinHell，keptforhisownuse，andevenithasbeensaidundertheshelterofhisowntent。Itookhimindischargeofthedebt，andIorderedthevarletswhohadhalteredhimtoleavehimaloneinthewater-meadow，forIhaveheardthatthebeasthasindeedamostevilspirit，andhaskilledmorementhanone。”
“ItwasanilldayforWaverleythatyoubroughtsuchamonsterwithinitsbounds，“saidtheAbbot。”IfthesubpriorandBrotherJohnbeindeeddead，thenitwouldseemthatifthehorsebenottheDevilheisatleasttheDevil’sinstrument。”
“HorseorDevil，holyfather，IheardhimshoutwithjoyashetrampleduponBrotherJohn，andhadyouseenhimtossingthesubpriorasadogshakesaratyouwouldperchancehavefeltevenasIdid。”
“Comethen，“criedtheAbbot，“letusseewithourowneyeswhatevilhasbeendone。”
Andthethreemonkshurrieddownthestairwhichledtothecloisters。
Theyhadnosoonerdescendedthantheirmorepressingfearsweresetatrest，foratthatverymoment，limping，disheveledandmud-stained，thetwosuffererswerebeingledinamidacrowdofsympathizingbrethren。Shoutsandcriesfromoutsideshowed，however，thatsomefurtherdramawasinprogress，andbothAbbotandsacristhastenedonwardasfastasthedignityoftheirofficewouldpermit，untiltheyhadpassedthegatesandgainedthewallofthemeadow。Lookingoverit，aremarkablesightpresenteditselftotheireyes。
Fetlockdeepinthelushgrasstherestoodamagnificenthorse，suchahorseasasculptororasoldiermightthrilltosee。Hiscolorwasalightchestnut，withmaneandtailofamoretawnytint。Seventeenhandshigh，withabarrelandhauncheswhichbespoketremendousstrength，hefineddowntothemostdelicatelinesofdaintybreedinneckandcrestandshoulder。Hewasindeedaglorioussightashestoodthere，hisbeautifulbodyleaningbackfromhiswide-spreadandproppedforelegs，hisheadcranedhigh，hisearserect，hismanebristling，hisrednostrilsopeningandshuttingwithwrath，andhisflashingeyesturningfromsidetosideinhaughtymenaceanddefiance。
Scatteredroundinarespectfulcircle，sixoftheAbbeylayservantsandforesters，eachholdingahalter，werecreepingtowardhim。Everynowandthen，withabeautifultossandswerveandplunge，thegreatcreaturewouldturnupononeofhiswould-becaptors，andwithoutstretchedhead，flyingmaneandflashingteeth，wouldchasehimscreamingtothesafetyofthewall，whiletheotherswouldcloseswiftlyinbehindandcasttheirropesinthehopeofcatchingneckorleg，butonlyintheir，turntobechasedtothenearestrefuge。
Hadtwooftheseropessettleduponthehorse，andhadtheirthrowersfoundsomepurchaseofstumporboulderbywhichtheycouldholdthem，thentheman’sbrainmighthavewonitswontedvictoryoverswiftnessandstrength。Butthebrainswerethemselvesatfaultwhichimaginedthatonesuchropewouldserveanypurposesavetoendangerthethrower。
Yetsoitwas，andwhatmighthavebeenforeseenoccurredattheverymomentofthearrivalofthemonks。Thehorse，havingchasedoneofhisenemiestothewall，remainedsolongsnortinghiscontemptoverthecopingthattheotherswereabletocreepuponhimfrombehind。Severalropeswereflung，andonenoosesettledovertheproudcrestandlostitselfinthewavingmane。Inaninstantthecreaturehadturnedandthemenwereflyingfortheirlives;buthewhohadcasttheropelingered，uncertainwhatusetomakeofhisownsuccess。Thatmomentofdoubtwasfatal。Withayellofdismay，themansawthegreatcreaturerearabovehim。
Thenwithacrashtheforefeetfelluponhimanddashedhimtotheground。Herosescreaming，washurledoveroncemore，andlayaquivering，bleedingheap，whilethesavagehorse，themostcruelandterribleinitsangerofallcreaturesonearth，bitandshookandtrampledthewrithingbody。
Aloudwailofhorrorrosefromthelinesoftonsuredheadswhichskirtedthehighwall-awailwhichsuddenlydiedawayintoalonghushedsilence，brokenatlastbyarapturouscryofthanksgivingandofjoy。
Ontheroadwhichledtotheolddarkmanor-houseuponthesideofthehillayouthhadbeenriding。Hismountwasasorryone，aweedy，shambling，long-hairedcolt，andhispatchedtunicoffadedpurplewithstainedleatherbeltpresentednoverysmartappearance;yetinthebearingoftheman，inthepoiseofhishead，inhiseasygracefulcarriage，andintheboldglanceofhislargeblueeyes，therewasthatstampofdistinctionandofbreedwhichwouldhavegivenhimaplaceofhisowninanyassembly。Hewasofsmallstature，buthisframewassingularlyelegantandgraceful。Hisface，thoughtannedwiththeweather，wasdelicateinfeaturesandmosteagerandalertinexpression。Athickfringeofcrispyellowcurlsbrokefromunderthedarkflatcapwhichhewaswearing，andashortgoldenbeardhidtheoutlineofhisstrongsquarechin。Onewhiteospreyfeatherthrustthroughagoldbroochinthefrontofhiscapgaveatouchofgracetohissombergarb。Thisandotherpointsofhisattire，theshorthangingmantle，theleather-sheathedhunting-knife，thecrossbeltwhichsustainedabrazenhorn，thesoftdoe-skinbootsandtheprickspurs，wouldalldisclosethemselvestoanobserver;butatthefirstglancethebrownfacesetingoldandthedancinglightofthequick，reckless，laughingeyes，weretheonestrongmemoryleftbehind。
Suchwastheyouthwho，crackinghiswhipjoyously，andfollowedbyhalfascoreofdogs，canteredonhisrudeponydowntheTilfordLane，andthenceitwasthatwithasmileofamusedcontemptuponhisfaceheobservedthecomedyinthefieldandtheimpotenteffortsoftheservantsofWaverley。
Suddenly，however，asthecomedyturnedswiftlytoblacktragedy，thispassivespectatorleapedintoquickstrenuouslife。Withaspringhewasoffhispony，andwithanotherhewasoverthestonewallandflyingswiftlyacrossthefield。Lookingupfromhisvictim，thegreatyellowhorsesawthisotherenemyapproach，andspurningtheprostrate，butstillwrithingbodywithitsheels，dashedatthenewcomer。
Butthistimetherewasnohastyflight，norapturouspursuittothewall。Thelittlemanbracedhimselfstraight，flunguphismetal-headedwhip，andmetthehorsewithacrashingblowuponthehead，repeatedagainandagainwitheveryattack。Invainthehorserearedandtriedtooverthrowitsenemywithswoopingshouldersandpawinghoofs。Cool，swiftandalert，themansprangswiftlyasidefromundertheveryshadowofdeath，andthenagaincametheswishandthudoftheunerringblowfromtheheavyhandle。
Thehorsedrewoff，glaredwithwonderandfuryatthismasterfulman，andthentrottedroundinacircle，withmanebristling，tailstreamingandearsonend，snortinginitsrageandpain。Theman，hardlydeigningtoglanceathisfellneighbor，passedontothewoundedforester，raisedhiminhisarmswithastrengthwhichcouldnothavebeenexpectedinsoslightabody，andcarriedhim，groaning，tothewall，whereadozenhandswereoutstretchedtohelphimover。Then，athisleisure，theyoungmanalsoclimbedthewall，smilingbackwithcoolcontemptattheyellowhorse，whichhadcomeragingafterhimoncemore。
Ashesprangdown，adozenmonkssurroundedhimtothankhimortopraisehim;buthewouldhaveturnedsullenlyawaywithoutawordhadhenotbeenstoppedbyAbbotJohninperson。
“Nay，SquireLoring，“saidhe，“ifyoubeabadfriendtoourAbbey，yetwemustneedsownthatyouhaveplayedthepartofagoodChristianthisday，forifthereisbreathleftinourservant’sbodyitistoyounexttoourblessedpatronSaintBernardthatweoweit。”
“BySaintPaul！，Ioweyounogood-will，AbbotJohn，“saidtheyoungman。”TheshadowofyourAbbeyhaseverfallenacrossthehouseofLoring。AstoanysmalldeedthatImayhavedonethisday，Iasknothanksforit。ItisnotforyounorforyourhousethatIhavedoneit，butonlybecauseitwasmypleasuresotodo。”
TheAbbotflushedattheboldwords，andbithislipwithvexation。
Itwasthesacrist，however，whoanswered：“Itwouldbemorefittingandmoregracious，“saidhe，“ifyouweretospeaktotheholyFatherAbbotinamannersuitedtohishighrankandtotherespectwhichisduetoaPrinceoftheChurch。”
Theyouthturnedhisboldblueeyesuponthemonk，andhissunburnedfacedarkenedwithanger。”Wereitnotforthegownuponyourback，andforyoursilveringhair，Iwouldansweryouinanotherfashion，“saidhe。”Youaretheleanwolfwhichgrowlseveratourdoor，greedyforthelittlewhichhathbeenlefttous。Sayanddowhatyouwillwithme，butbySaintPaul！ifI
findthatDameErmyntrudeisbaitedbyyourravenouspackIwillbeatthemoffwiththiswhipfromthelittlepatchwhichstillremainsofalltheacresofmyfathers。”
“Haveacare，NigelLoring，haveacare！”criedtheAbbot，withfingerupraised。”HaveyounofearsofthelawofEngland？，“
“AjustlawIfearandobey。”
“HaveyounorespectforHolyChurch？”
“Irespectallthatisholyinher。Idonotrespectthosewhogrindthepoororstealtheirneighbor’sland。”
“Rashman，manyaonehasbeenblightedbyherbanforlessthanyouhavenowsaid！，Andyetitisnotforustojudgeyouharshlythisday。Youareyoungandhotwordscomeeasilytoyourlips。
Howfarestheforester？”
“Hishurtisgrievous，FatherAbbot，buthewilllive，“saidabrother，lookingupfromtheprostrateform。”Withablood-lettingandanelectuary，Iwillwarranthimsoundwithinamonth。”
“Thenbearhimtothehospital。Andnow，brother，aboutthisterriblebeastwhostillgazesandsnortsatusoverthetopofthewallasthoughhisthoughtsofHolyChurchwereasuncouthasthoseofSquireNigelhimself，whatarewetodowithhim？”
“HereisFranklinAylward，“saidoneofthebrethren。”Thehorsewashis，anddoubtlesshewilltakeitbacktohisfarm。”
Butthestoutred-facedfarmershookhisheadattheproposal。
“NotI，infaith！”saidhe。”Thebeasthathchasedmetwiceroundthepaddock;ithasnighslainmyboySamkin。Hewouldneverbehappytillhehadriddenit，norhasheeverbeenhappysince。
Thereisnotahindinmyemploywhowillenterhisstall。IllfarethedaythateverItookthebeastfromtheCastlestudatGuildford，wheretheycoulddonothingwithitandnoridercouldbefoundboldenoughtomountit！，Whenthesacristheretookitforafifty-shillingdebthemadehisownbargainandmustabidebyit。HecomesnomoretotheCrooksburyfarm。”
“Andhestaysnomorehere，“saidtheAbbot。”Brothersacrist，youhaveraisedtheDevil，anditisforyoutolayitagain。”
“ThatIwillmostreadily，“criedthesacrist。”Thepittance-
mastercanstopthefiftyshillingsfrommyveryownweeklydole，andsotheAbbeybenonethepoorer。InthemeantimehereisWatwithhisarbalistandaboltinhisgirdle。Lethimdriveittotheheadthroughthiscursedcreature，forhishideandhishoofsareofmorevaluethanhiswickedself。”
AhardbrownoldwoodmanwhohadbeenshootingverminintheAbbeygrovessteppedforwardwithagrinofpleasure。Afteralifetimeofstoatsandfoxes，thiswasindeedanoblequarrywhichwastofallbeforehim。Fittingaboltonthenutofhistautcrossbow，hehadraisedittohisshoulderandleveleditatthefierce，proud，disheveledheadwhichtossedinsavagefreedomattheothersideofthewall。Hisfingerwascrookedonthespring，whenablowfromawhipstruckthebowupwardandtheboltflewharmlessovertheAbbeyorchard，whilethewoodmanshrankabashedfromNigelLoring’sangryeyes。
“Keepyourboltsforyourweasels！”saidhe。”Wouldyoutakelifefromacreaturewhoseonlyfaultisthatitsspiritissohighthatithasmetnoneyetwhodarecontrolit？，Youwouldslaysuchahorseasakingmightbeproudtomount，andallbecauseacountryfranklin，oramonk，oramonk’svarlet，hasnotthewitnorthehandstomasterhim？”
ThesacristturnedswiftlyontheSquire。”TheAbbeyowesyouanofferingforthisday’swork，howeverrudeyourwordsmaybe，“
saidhe。”Ifyouthinksomuchofthehorse，youmaydesiretoownit。IfIamtopayforit，thenwiththeholyAbbot’spermissionitisinmygiftandIbestowitfreelyuponyou。”
TheAbbotpluckedathissubordinate’ssleeve。”Bethinkyou，brothersacrist，“hewhispered，“shallwenothavethisman’sblooduponourheads？”
“Hisprideisasstubbornasthehorse’s，holyfather，“thesacristanswered，hisgauntfactbreakingintoamalicioussmile。
“Manorbeast，onewillbreaktheotherandtheworldwillbethebetterforit。Ifyouforbidme-“
“Nay，brother，youhaveboughtthehorse，andyoumayhavethebestowalofit。”
“ThenIgiveit-hideandhoofs，tailandtemper-toNigelLoring，andmayitbeassweetandasgentletohimashehathbeentotheAbbotofWaverley！”
Thesacristspokealoudamidthetitteringofthemonks，forthemanconcernedwasoutofearshot。Atthefirstwordswhichhadshownhimtheturnwhichaffairshadtakenhehadrunswiftlytothespotwherehehadlefthispony。Fromitsmouthheremovedthebitandthestoutbridlewhichheldit。Thenleavingthecreaturetonibblethegrassbythewaysidehespedbackwhencehecame。
“Itakeyourgift，monk，“saidhe，“thoughIknowwellwhyitisthatyougiveit。YetIthankyou，fortherearetwothingsuponearthforwhichIhaveeveryearned，andwhichmythinpursecouldneverbuy。Theoneisanoblehorse，suchahorseasmyfather’ssonshouldhavebetwixthisthighs，andhereistheoneofallotherswhichIwouldhavechosen，sincesomesmalldeedistobedoneinthewinningofhim，andsomehonorableadvancementtobegained。Howisthehorsecalled？”
“Itsname，“saidthefranklin，“isPommers。Iwarnyou，youngsir，thatnonemayridehim，formanyhavetried，andtheluckiestishewhohasonlyastavedribtoshowforit。”
“Ithankyouforyourrede，“saidNigel，“andnowIseethatthisisindeedahorsewhichIwouldjourneyfartomeet。Iamyourman，Pommers，andyouaremyhorse，andthisnightyoushallownitorIwillneverneedhorseagain。Myspiritagainstthine，andGodholdthyspirithigh，Pommers，sothatthegreaterbetheadventure，andthemorehopeofhonorgained！”
WhilehespoketheyoungSquirehadclimbedontothetopofthewallandstoodtherebalanced，theveryimageofgraceandspiritandgallantry，hisbridlehangingfromonehandandhiswhipgraspedintheother。Withafiercesnort，thehorsemadeforhiminstantly，andhiswhiteteethflashedashesnapped;butagainaheavyblowfromtheloadedwhipcausedhimtoswerve，andevenattheinstantoftheswerve，measuringthedistancewithsteadyeyes，andbendinghissupplebodyforthespring，Nigelboundedintotheairandfellwithhislegsastridethebroadbackoftheyellowhorse。Foraminute，withneithersaddlenorstirrupstohelphim，andthebeastrampingandrearinglikeamadthingbeneathhim，hewashardpressedtoholdhisown。Hislegswereliketwobandsofsteelweldedontotheswellingarchesofthegreathorse’sribs，andhislefthandwasburieddeepinthetawnymane。
NeverhadthedullroundofthelivesofthegentlebrethrenofWaverleybeenbrokenbysofieryascene。Springingtorightandswoopingtoleft，nowwithitstangledwickedheadbetwixtitsforefeet，andnowpawingeightfeethighintheair，withscarlet，furiousnostrilsandmaddenedeyes，theyellowhorsewasathingofterrorandofbeauty。Butthelithefigureonhisback，bendinglikeareedinthewindtoeverymovement，firmbelow，pliantabove，withcalminexorableface，andeyeswhichdancedandgleamedwiththejoyofcontest，stillhelditsmasterfulplaceforallthatthefieryheartandtheironmusclesofthegreatbeastcoulddo。
Oncealongdroneofdismayrosefromthemonks，asrearinghigherandhigheryetalastmadeffortsentthecreaturetopplingoverbackwarduponitsrider。But，swiftandcool，hehadwrithedfromunderitereitfell，spurneditwithhisfootasitrolledupontheearth，andthenseizingitsmaneasitroseswunghimselflightlyontoitsbackoncemore。Eventhegrimsacristcouldnotbutjointhecheer，asPommers，amazedtofindtheriderstilluponhisback，plungedandcurveteddownthefield。
Butthewildhorseonlyswelledintoagreaterfury。Inthesullengloomofitsuntamedheartthererosethefuriousresolvetodashthelifefromthisclingingrider，evenifitmeantdestructiontobeastandman。Withred，blazingeyesitlookedroundfordeath。Onthreesidesthefive-virgatefieldwasboundedbyahighwall，brokenonlyatonespotbyaheavyfour-footwoodengate。Butonthefourthsidewasalowgraybuilding，oneofthegrangesoftheAbbey，presentingalongflankunbrokenbydoororwindow。Thehorsestretcheditselfintoagallop，andheadedstraightforthatcraggythirty-footwall。Hewouldbreakinredruinatthebaseofitifhecouldbutdashforeverthelifeofthisman，whoclaimedmasteryoverthatwhichhadneverfounditsmasteryet。
Thegreathaunchesgatheredunderit，theeagerhoofsdrummedthegrass，asfasterandstillmorefastthefrantichorseborehimselfandhisridertowardthewall。WouldNigelspringoff？
Todosowouldbetobendhiswilltothatofthebeastbeneathhim。Therewasabetterwaythanthat。Cool，quickanddecided，themanswiftlypassedbothwhipandbridleintothelefthandwhichstillheldthemane。Thenwiththerightheslippedhisshortmantlefromhisshouldersandlyingforwardalongthecreature’sstrenuous，ripplingbackhecasttheflappingclothoverthehorse’seyes。
Theresultwasbuttoosuccessful，foritnearlybroughtaboutthedownfalloftherider。Whenthoseredeyesstrainingfordeathweresuddenlyshroudedinunexpected，darknesstheamazedhorseproppedonitsforefeetandcametosodeadastopthatNigelwasshotforwardontoitsneckandhardlyheldhimselfbyhishair-entwinedhand。Erehehadslidbackintopositionthemomentofdangerhadpassed，forthehorse，itspurposeallblurredinitsmindbythisstrangethingwhichhadbefallen，wheeledroundoncemore，tremblingineveryfiber，andtossingitspetulantheaduntilatlastthemantlehadbeenslippedfromitseyesandthechillingdarknesshadmeltedintothehomelycircleofsunlitgrassoncemore。
Butwhatwasthisnewoutragewhichhadbeeninflicteduponit？
Whatwasthisdefilingbarofironwhichwaslockedhardagainstitsmouth？，Whatwerethesestrapswhichgalledthetossingneck，thisbandwhichspanneditschest？，InthoseinstantsofstillnesserethemantlehadbeenpluckedawayNigelhadlainforward，hadslippedthesnafflebetweenthechampingteeth，andhaddeftlysecuredit。
Blind，franticfurysurgedintheyellowhorse’sheartoncemoreatthisnewdegradation，thisbadgeofserfdomandinfamy。Hisspiritrosehighandmenacingatthetouch。Heloathedthisplace，thesepeople，allandeverythingwhichthreatenedhisfreedom。Hewouldhavedonewiththemforever;hewouldseethemnomore。Lethimawaytotheuttermostpartsoftheearth，tothegreatplainswherefreedomis。Anywhereoverthefarhorizonwherehecouldgetawayfromthedefilingbitandtheinsufferablemasteryofman。
Heturnedwitharush，andonemagnificentdeer-likeboundcarriedhimoverthefour-footgate。Nigel’shathadflownoff，andhisyellowcurlsstreamedbehindhimasheroseandfellintheleap。
Theywereinthewater-meadownow，andtheripplingstreamtwentyfeetwidegleamedinfrontofthemrunningdowntothemaincurrentoftheWey。Theyellowhorsegatheredhishaunchesunderhimandflewoverlikeanarrow。Hetookofffrombehindaboulderandclearedafurze-bushonthefartherside。Twostonesstillmarktheleapfromhoof-marktohoof-mark，andtheyareelevengoodpacesapart。Underthehangingbranchofthegreatoak-treeonthefartherside(thatQuercusTilfordiensisordiensisisstillshownastheboundoftheAbby’simmediateprecincts)thegreathorsepassed。Hehadhopedtosweepoffhisrider，butNigelsanklowontheheavingbackwithhisfaceburiedintheflyingmane。Theroughboughraspedhimrudely，butnevershookhisspiritnorhisgrip。Rearing，plungingandstruggling，PommersbrokethroughthesaplinggroveandwasoutonthebroadstretchofHankleyDown。
AndnowcamesucharideasstilllingersinthegossipofthelowlycountryfolkandformstherudejingleofthatoldSurreyballad，nownearlyforgotten，savefortherefrain：
TheDoethatspedonHindeHead，TheKestrilonthewinde，AndNigelontheYellowHorseCanleavetheworldbehinde。
Beforethemlayarollingoceanofdarkheather，knee-deep，swellinginbillowonbillowuptotheclear-cuthillbeforethem。
Abovestretchedoneunbrokenarchofpeacefulblue，withasunwhichwassinkingdowntowardtheHampshirehills。Throughthedeepheather，downthegullies，overthewatercourses，upthebrokenslopes，Pommersflew，hisgreatheartburstingwithrage，andeveryfiberquiveringattheindignitieswhichhehadendured。
Andstill，dowhathewould，themanclungfasttohisheavingsidesandtohisflyingmane，silent，motionless，inexorable，lettinghimdowhathewould，butfixedasFateuponhispurpose。
OverHankleyDown，throughThursleyMarsh，withthereedsuptohismud-splashedwithers，onwardupthelongslopeoftheHeadlandoftheHinds，downbytheNutcombeGorge，slipping，blundering，bounding，butneverslackeninghisfearfulspeed，onwentthegreatyellowhorse。ThevillagersofShottermillheardthewildclatterofhoofs，buteretheycouldswingtheox-hidecurtainsoftheircottagedoorshorseandriderwerelostamidthehighbrackenoftheHaslemereValley。Onhewent，andon，tossingthemilesbehindhisflyinghoofs。Nomarsh-landcouldcloghim，nohillcouldholdhimback。UptheslopeofLinchmereandthelongascentofFernhursthethunderedasonthelevel，anditwasnotuntilhehadflowndowntheinclineofHenleyHill，andthegraycastletowerofMidhurstroseoverthecoppiceinfront，thatatlasttheeageroutstretchednecksankalittleonthebreast，andthebreathcamequickandfast。Lookwherehewouldinwoodlandandondown，hisstrainingeyescouldcatchnosignofthoseplainsoffreedomwhichhesought。
Andyetanotheroutrage！，Itwasbadthatthiscreatureshouldstillclingsotightuponhisback，butnowhewouldevengototheintolerablelengthofcheckinghimandguidinghimonthewaythathewouldhavehimgo。Therewasasharppluckathismouth，andhisheadwasturnednorthoncemore。Aswellgothatwayasanother，butthemanwasmadindeedifhethoughtthatsuchahorseasPommerswasattheendofhisspiritorhisstrength。Hewouldsoonshowhimthathewasunconquered，ifitstrainedhissinewsorbrokehishearttodoso。Backthenheflewupthelong，longascent。Wouldheevergettotheendofit？，Yethewouldnotownthathecouldgonofartherwhilethemanstillkepthisgrip。Hewaswhitewithfoamandcakedwithmud。Hiseyesweregorgedwithblood，hismouthopenandgasping，hisnostrilsexpanded，hiscoatstarkandreeking。OnheflewdownthelongSundayHilluntilhereachedthedeepKingsleyMarshatthebottom。No，itwastoomuch！，Fleshandbloodcouldgonofarther。Ashestruggledoutfromthereedyslimewiththeheavyblackmudstillclingingtohisfetlocks，heatlasteaseddownwithsobbingbreathandslowedthetumultuousgalloptoacanter。
Oh，crowninginfamy！，Wastherenolimittothesedegradations？
Hewasnolongereventochoosehisownpace。Sincehehadchosentogallopsofarathisownwillhemustnowgallopfartherstillatthewillofanother。Aspurstruckhomeoneitherflank。A
stingingwhip-lashfellacrosshisshoulder。Heboundedhisownheightintheairatthepainandtheshameofit。Then，forgettinghiswearylimbs，forgettinghispanting，reekingsides，forgettingeverythingsavethisintolerableinsultandtheburningspiritwithin，heplungedoffoncemoreuponhisfuriousgallop。
HewasoutontheheatherslopesagainandheadingforWeydownCommon。Onheflewandon。Butagainhisbrainfailedhimandagainhislimbstrembledbeneathhim，andyetagainhestrovetoeasehispace，onlytobedrivenonwardbythecruelspurandthefallinglash。Hewasblindandgiddywithfatigue。
Hesawnolongerwhereheplacedhisfeet，hecarednolongerwhitherhewent，buthisonemadlongingwastogetawayfromthisdreadfulthing，thistorturewhichclungtohimandwouldnotlethimgo。ThroughThursleyvillagehepassed，hiseyesstraininginhisagony，hisheartburstingwithinhim，andhehadwonhiswaytothecrestofThursleyDown，stillstungforwardbystabandblow，whenhisspiritweakened，hisgiantstrengthebbedoutofhim，andwithonedeepsobofagonytheyellowhorsesankamongtheheather。SosuddenwasthefallthatNigelflewforwardoverhisshoulder，andbeastandmanlayprostrateandgaspingwhilethelastredrimofthesunsankbehindButserandthefirststarsgleamedinavioletsky。
TheyoungSquirewasthefirsttorecover，andkneelingbythepanting，overwroughthorsehepassedhishandgentlyoverthetangledmaneanddownthefoam-fleckedface。Theredeyerolledupathim;butitwaswondernothatred，aprayerandnotathreat，whichhecouldreadinit。Ashestrokedthereekingmuzzle，thehorsewhinniedgentlyandthrusthisnoseintothehollowofhishand。Itwasenough。Itwastheendofthecontest，theacceptanceofnewconditionsbyachivalrousfoefromachivalrousvictor。
“Youaremyhorse，Pommers，“Nigelwhispered，andhelaidhischeekagainstthecraninghead。”Iknowyou，Pommers，andyouknowme，andwiththehelpofSaintPaulweshallteachsomeotherfolktoknowusboth。Nowletuswalktogetherasfarasthismoorlandpond，forindeedIwotnotwhetheritisyouorIwhoneedthewatermost。”
AndsoitwasthatsomebelatedmonksofWaverleypassinghomewardfromtheouterfarmssawastrangesightwhichtheycarriedonwiththemsothatitreachedthatverynighttheearsbothofsacristandofAbbot。For，astheypassedthroughTilfordtheyhadseenhorseandmanwalkingsidebysideandheadbyheadupthemanor-houselane。AndwhentheyhadraisedtheirlanternsonthepairitwasnoneotherthantheyoungSquirehimselfwhowasleadinghome，asashepherdleadsalamb，thefearsomeyellowhorseofCrooksbury。
IV。HOWTHESUMMONERCAMETOTHEMANORHOUSEOFTILFORD
BythedateofthischronicletheasceticsternnessoftheoldNormancastleshadbeenhumanizedandrefinedsothatthenewdwellingsofthenobility，iflessimposinginappearance，weremuchmorecomfortableasplacesofresidence。Agentleracehadbuilttheirhousesratherforpeacethanforwar。HewhocomparesthesavagebarenessofPevenseyorGuildfordwiththepiledgrandeurofBodminorWindsorcannotfailtounderstandthechangeinmannerswhichtheyrepresent。
Theearliercastleshadasetpurpose，fortheywerebuiltthattheinvadersmightholddownthecountry;butwhentheConquestwasoncefirmlyestablishedacastlehadlostitsmeaningsaveasarefugefromjusticeorasacenterforcivilstrife。OnthemarchesofWalesandofScotlandthecastlemightcontinuetobeabulwarktothekingdom，andtherestillgrewandflourished;butinallotherplacestheywereratheramenacetotheKing’smajesty，andassuchwerediscouragedanddestroyed。BythereignofthethirdEdwardthegreaterpartoftheoldfightingcastleshadbeenconvertedintodwelling-housesorhadbeenruinedinthecivilwars，andleftwheretheirgrimgraybonesarestilllittereduponthebrowsofourhills。Thenewbuildingswereeithergreatcountry-houses，capableofdefense，butmainlyresidential，ortheyweremanor-houseswithnomilitarysignificanceatall。
SuchwastheTilfordManor-housewherethelastsurvivorsoftheoldandmagnificenthouseofLoringstillstruggledhardtokeepafootingandtoholdoffthemonksandthelawyersfromthefewacreswhichwerelefttothem。Themansionwasatwo-storiedone，framedinheavybeamsofwood，theintersticesfilledwithrudeblocksofstone。Anoutsidestaircaseleduptoseveralsleeping-roomsabove。Belowtherewereonlytwoapartments，thesmallerofwhichwastheboweroftheagedLadyErmyntrude。Theotherwasthehall，averylargeroom，whichservedasthelivingroomofthefamilyandasthecommondining-roomofthemselvesandoftheirlittlegroupofservantsandretainers。Thedwellingsoftheseservants，thekitchens，theofficesandthestableswereallrepresentedbyarowofpenthousesandshedsbehindthemainbuilding。HerelivedCharlesthepage，Petertheoldfalconer，RedSwirewhohadfollowedNigel’sgrandfathertotheScottishwars，Weathercotethebrokenminstrel，Johnthecook，andothersurvivorsofmoreprosperousdays，whostillclungtotheoldhouseasthebarnaclestosomewreckedandstrandedvessel。
Oneeveningaboutaweekafterthebreakingoftheyellowhorse，Nigelandhisgrandmothersatoneithersideofthelargeemptyfireplaceinthisspaciousapartment。Thesupperhadbeenremoved，andsohadthetrestletablesuponwhichithadbeenserved，sothattheroomseemedbareandempty。Thestonefloorwasstrewedwithathicklayerofgreenrushes，whichwassweptouteverySaturdayandcarriedwithitallthedirtanddebrisoftheweek。Severaldogswerenowcrouchedamongtheserushes，gnawingandcrackingtheboneswhichhadbeenthrownfromthetable。Alongwoodenbuffetloadedwithplatesanddishesfilledoneendoftheroom，buttherewaslittleotherfurnituresavesomebenchesagainstthewalls，twodorseretchairs，onesmalltablelitteredwithchessmen，andagreatironcoffer。Inonecornerwasahighwickerworkstand，andonittwostatelyfalconswereperched，silentandmotionless，saveforanoccasionaltwinkleoftheirfierceyelloweyes。
Butiftheactualfittingsoftheroomwouldhaveappearedscantytoonewhohadlivedinamoreluxuriousage，hewouldhavebeensurprisedonlookinguptoseethemultitudeofobjectswhichweresuspendedabovehishead。Overthefireplacewerethecoats-of-armsofanumberofhousesalliedbybloodorbymarriagetotheLorings。Thetwocresset-lightswhichflareduponeachsidegleameduponthebluelionofthePercies，theredbirdsofdeValence，theblackengrailedcrossofdeMohun，thesilverstarofdeVere，andtheruddybarsofFitzAlan，allgroupedroundthefamousredrosesonthesilvershieldwhichtheLoringshadbornetogloryuponmanyabloodyfield。Thenfromsidetosidetheroomwasspannedbyheavyoakenbeamsfromwhichagreatnumberofobjectswerehanging。Thereweremail-shirtsofobsoletepattern，severalshields，oneortworustedandbatteredhelmets，bowstaves，lances，otter-spears，harness，fishing-rods，andotherimplementsofwarorofthechase，whilehigherstillamidtheblackshadowsofthepeakedroofcouldbeseenrowsofhams，flitchesofbacon，saltedgeese，andthoseotherformsofpreservedmeatwhichplayedsogreatapartinthehousekeepingoftheMiddleAges。
DameErmyntrudeLoring，daughter，wife，andmotherofwarriors，washerselfaformidablefigure。Tallandgaunt，withhardcraggyfeaturesandintolerantdarkeyes，evenhersnow-whitehairandstoopingbackcouldnotentirelyremovethesenseoffearwhichsheinspiredinthosearoundher。Herthoughtsandmemorieswentbacktoharshertimes，andshelookedupontheEnglandaroundherasadegenerateandeffeminatelandwhichhadfallenawayfromtheoldstandardofknightlycourtesyandvalor。
Therisingpowerofthepeople，thegrowingwealthoftheChurch，theincreasingluxuryinlifeandmanners，andthegentlertoneoftheagewereallequallyabhorrenttoher，sothatthedreadofherfierceface，andevenoftheheavyoakstaffwithwhichshesupportedherfailinglimbs，waswidespreadthroughallthecountryround。
Yetifshewasfearedshewasalsorespected，forindayswhenbookswerefewandreadersscarce，alongmemoryandareadytonguewereofthemorevalue;andwhere，savefromDameErmyntrude，couldtheyoungunletteredSquiresofSurreyandHampshirehearoftheirgrandfathersandtheirbattles，orlearnthatloreofheraldryandchivalrywhichshehandeddownfromaruderbutamoremartialage？，Poorasshewas，therewasnooneinSurreywhoseguidancewouldbemorereadilysoughtuponaquestionofprecedenceorofconductthantheDameErmyntrudeLoring。
Shesatnowwithbowedbackbytheemptyfireplace，andlookedacrossatNigelwithalltheharshlinesofheroldruddledfacesofteningintoloveandpride。TheyoungSquirewasbusycuttingbird-boltsforhiscrossbow，andwhistlingsoftlyasheworked。
Suddenlyhelookedupandcaughtthedarkeyeswhichwerefixeduponhim。Heleanedforwardandpattedthebonyhand。
“Whathathpleasedyou，deardame？，Ireadpleasureinyoureyes。”
“Ihaveheardto-day，Nigel，howyoucametowinthatgreatwar-horsewhichstampsinourstable。”
“Nay，dame;Ihadtoldyouthatthemonkshadgivenittome。”
“Yousaidso，fairson，butneverawordmore。YetthehorsewhichyoubroughthomewasaverydifferenthorseIwot，tothatwhichwasgivenyou。Whydidyounottellme？”
“Ishouldthinkitshametotalkofsuchathing。”
“Sowouldyourfatherbeforeyou，andhisfathernoless。Theywouldsitsilentamongtheknightswhenthewinewentroundandlistentoeveryman’sdeeds;butifperchancetherewasanyonewhospokelouderthantherestandseemedtobeeagerforhonor，thenafterwardsyourfatherwouldpluckhimsoftlybythesleeveandwhisperinhiseartolearniftherewasanysmallvowofwhichhecouldrelievehim，orifhewoulddeigntoperformsomenobledeedofarmsuponhisperson。Andifthemanwereabraggartandwouldgonofurther，yourfatherwouldbesilentandnonewouldknowit。
Butifheborehimselfwell，yourfatherwouldspreadhisfamefarandwide，butnevermakementionofhimself。”
Nigellookedattheoldwomanwithshiningeyes。”Ilovetohearyouspeakofhim，“saidhe。”Iprayyoutotellmeoncemoreofthemannerofhisdeath。”
“Hediedashehadlived，averycourtlygentleman。Itwasatthegreatsea-battleupontheNormancoast，andyourfatherwasincommandoftheafter-guardintheKing’sownship。NowtheFrenchhadtakenagreatEnglishshiptheyearbeforewhentheycameoverandheldthenarrowseasandburnedthetownofSouthampton。
ThisshipwastheChristopher，andtheyplaceditinthefrontoftheirbattle;buttheEnglishcloseduponitandstormedoveritsside，andslewallwhowereuponit。
“ButyourfatherandSirLorredanofGenoa，whocommandedtheChristopher，foughtuponthehighpoop，sothatallthefleetstoppedtowatchit，andtheKinghimselfcriedaloudatthesight，forSirLorredanwasafamousman-at-armsandborehimselfverystoutlythatday，andmanyaknightenviedyourfatherthatheshouldhavechanceduponsoexcellentaperson。Butyourfatherborehimbackandstruckhimsuchablowwithamacethatheturnedthehelmethalfroundonhishead，sothathecouldnolongerseethroughtheeyeholes，andSirLorredanthrewdownhisswordandgavehimselftoransom。Butyourfathertookhimbythehelmetandtwistedituntilhehaditstraightuponhishead。
Then，whenhecouldseeonceagain，hehandedhimhissword，andprayedhimthathewouldresthimselfandthencontinue，foritwasgreatprofitandjoytoseeanygentlemancarryhimselfsowell。Sotheysattogetherandrestedbytherailofthepoop;
butevenastheyraisedtheirhandsagainyourfatherwasstruckbyastonefromamangonelandsodied。”
“AndthisSirLorredan，“criedNigel，“hediedalso，asI
understand？”
“Ifearthathewasslainbythearchers，fortheylovedyourfather，andtheydonotseethesethingswithoureyes。”
“Itwasapity，“saidNigel;“foritisclearthathewasagoodknightandborehimselfverybravely。”
“Timewas，whenIwasyoung，whencommonersdarednothavelaidtheirgrimyhandsuponsuchaman。Menofgentlebloodandcoat-armormadewaruponeachother，andtheothers，spearmenorarchers，couldscrambleamongstthemselves。Butnowallareofalevel，andonlyhereandthereonelikeyourself，fairson，whoremindsmeofthemenwhoaregone。”
Nigelleanedforwardandtookherhandsinhis。”WhatIamyouhavemademe，“saidhe。
“Itistrue，Nigel。Ihaveindeedwatchedoveryouasthegardenerwatcheshismostpreciousblossom，forinyoualoneareallthehopesofourancienthouse，andsoon-verysoon-youwillbealone。”
“Nay，dearlady，saynotthat。”
“Iamveryold，Nigel，andIfeeltheshadowclosinginuponme。
Myheartyearnstogo，forallwhomIhaveknownandlovedhavegonebeforeme。Andyou-itwillbeablesseddayforyou，sinceIhaveheldyoubackfromthatworldintowhichyourbravespiritlongstoplunge。”
“Nay，nay，IhavebeenhappyherewithyouatTilford。”
“Weareverypoor，Nigel。Idonotknowwherewemayfindthemoneytofityouforthewars。Yetwehavegoodfriends。ThereisSirJohnChandos，whohaswonsuchcreditintheFrenchwarsandwhorideseverbytheKing’sbridle-arm。Hewasyourfather’sfriendandtheywereSquirestogether。IfIsentyoutocourtwithamessagetohimhewoulddowhathecould。”
