Ralph was striding lustily, and with evident impatience, over the damp
floor; yet he scarcely seemed to notice the entrance of the abbot.
"How now!--Hast had aught, by way of special discovery, touching the
name thou hadst forgotten this morning?"
"Yes, I have had a notable discovery therein," said Ralph, still holding
on his pace diagonally, as heretofore.
"And may we graciously participate in the result? Doubtless 'tis a
comfortable and happy revelation," said the abbot.
"'Tis to beware of three most unlucky things, persons, or properties, I
trow,--to wit, a parson's maid, a prior's sow, and an abbot's dinner."
"And what lack they in thy honest esteem?"
"A parson's maid lacks honesty,--a prior's sow a litter,--and an abbot's
dinner lacks me!"
"Or, rather, thou lackest it."
"Why, troth, I am not over-nice in the disposition of vain words; nor
should I be over-nice in the disposal of some light scraps from your
reverence's buttery."
"Thou hast not dined?"
"Peradventure not at thy cost."
"Perchance an empty stomach may be the more apt to yield. A full belly
makes a stout heart."
"I know not.
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