Nevertheless, for myself, I have used no such nice refinements, but rather taken with thankfulness such things as came in my way.
And now when I look back over my paper--lord! what a pother of writing about it and about! But my excuse is that many young lads and gay bachelors will read this tale, so I desire to import what of instruction I can into it.

And not having the learning of the clerks, I must e'en put in what wisdom I have gotten for myself in my passage through the world.

For I never could plough with another man's heifer--least of all with that of a college-bred Mess John.

Not but what Mess John knoweth somewhat of the lear of love also among the well-favored dames of the city.

Or else, by my faith, Mess John is sorely belied.
But where was I in my tale?
And if this present errant discourse be forgiven, surely I will not transgress again, but drive my team straight to the furrow's end and then back again, like an honest ploughman that has his eye ever upon the guide-poles on the windy ridge.
Well, the Little Playmate lifted a toad from her waist--I mean my hand--and dropped it as far from her as her arm would reach.
And then after that she ran up-stairs, slammed the door of her own chamber, and came not down to our nooning, so that old Hanne had to call her three times.
And once, when I had occasion to cross the court-yard to the guard-house, I saw her standing pensively by the window.