Smiting them hip and thigh with the sword of Gedaliah, nay,
my tongue tripped, 'twas Gideon I would say."
"Aye," said the woodward, "Squire had the tidings two days back in a
news letter. It was a mighty victory of General Cromwell."
"In sooth it was," returned the groom; "and I hear he hath ordered a
solemn thanksgiving therefore."
"But Jephthah," put in Patience, "you are sure he was not hurt?"
"The hand of Heaven protecteth the godly," again through his nose
spoke the guest. "He was well when I left him; being sent south by
my master to attend my mistress, and so being no more among them that
divide the spoil."
"Where have you served, sir?" demanded the woodward.
"I am last from Scotland," was the answer. "A godly land!"
"Ah! I know nought of Scotland," said the woodward. "I was disbanded
when my Lord Essex gave up the command, more's the pity, for he was
for doing things soberly and reasonably, and ever in the name of the
poor King that is gone! You look too young to have seen fire at
Edgehill or Exeter, sir.
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