"It is well," said the taller of the men "that I am not a
member of a temperance society like you, Stephen, or it would
be difficult to reward this good man for his care of our
steed. I will take a cup of the drink of Saxon kings." Then
leading up the pony to the Religious, he placed her on its
back with gentleness and much natural grace, saying at the
same time in a subdued tone, "And you--shall I bring you a
glass of nature's wine?"
"I have drank of the spring of the Holy Abbey," said the
Religious, "and none other must touch my lips this eve."
"Come, our course must be brisk," said the elder of the men as
he gave up his glass to their host and led off the pony,
Stephen walking on its other side.
Though the sun had fallen, the twilight was still glowing, and
even on this wide expanse the air was still. The vast and
undulating surface of the brown and purple moor, varied
occasionally by some fantastic rocks, gleamed in the shifting
light. Hesperus was the only star that yet was visible, and
seemed to move before them and lead them on their journey.
"I hope," said the Religious, turning to the elder stranger,
"that if ever we regain our right, my father, and that we ever
can save by the interposition of divine will seems to me
clearly impossible, that you will never forget how bitter it
is to he driven from the soil; and that you will bring back
the people to the land.
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