And yet I must go, Amyas.

It is not merely that my heart pants, as Sidney's does, as every gallant's ought, to make one of your noble choir of Argonauts, who are now replenishing the earth and subduing it for God and for the queen; it is not merely, Amyas, that love calls me,--love tyrannous and uncontrollable, strengthened by absence, and deepened by despair; but honor, Amyas--my oath--" And he paused for lack of breath, and bursting into a violent fit of coughing, leaned on his brother's shoulder, while Amyas cried, "Fools, fools that we were--that I was, I mean--to take that fantastical vow!" "Not so," answered a gentle voice from behind: "you vowed for the sake of peace on earth, and good-will toward men, and 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' No my sons, be sure that such self-sacrifice as you have shown will meet its full reward at the hand of Him who sacrificed Himself for you." "Oh, mother! mother!" said Amyas, "and do you not hate the very sight of me--come here to take away your first-born ?" "My boy, God takes him, and not you.

And if I dare believe in such predictions, Doctor Dee assured me that some exceeding honor awaited you both in the West, to each of you according to your deserts." "Ah!" said Amyas.

"My blessing, I suppose, will be like Esau's, to live by my sword; while Jacob here, the spiritual man, inherits the kingdom of heaven, and an angel's crown." "Be it what it may, it will surely be a blessing, as long as you are such, my children, as you have been.

At least my Frank will be safe from the intrigues of court, and the temptations of the world.