The Collected Works of William Morris

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 Excerpt: ...fell silent awhile, and the outlaw sat looking on him; at last what he is he said suddenly: "Foster-father, tell me what I am, and of what kindred, I pray thee; for, methinks, thou knowest thereof; and what wonder, wise man as thou art." "Forsooth, son Christopher, I have a deeming thereof, Jack will or somewhat more, and when it is waxen greater yet, I will have Christell it thee one day, but not now. But hearken! for I have t0Pher away other tidings for thee. Thou art now whole and strong, and i n a few days thou mayst wend the wild-wood as stoutly as e'er a one of us. Now, therefore, how sayest thou, if I bid thee fare a two days'j ourney with David and Gilbert thy brethren, and thy sister Joanna, till they bring thee to a fair little stead which I call mine own, to dwell there awhile? For, meseemeth, lad, that the air of the Tofts here may not be over wholesome unto thee." Christopher reddened, and he half rose up, and said: "What is this, foster-father? Is it that there shall be battle at the Tofts, and that thou wouldst have me away thence? Am I then such a weakling?" Said Jack, laughing:" Be still now, thou sticked one. The Jack will Tofts go down to battle at some whiles; but seldom cometh so have lt battle to the Tofts; and no battle do I look for now. But do my bidding, sweet fosterling, and it will be better for me and better for thee, and may, perchance, put ofFbattle for a while; He shall come back to Yule Come now David and Joanna Christopher and Joanna which to me as now were not unhandy. If thou wilt but abide at Littledale for somewhile,there shall be going and coming betwixt us, and thou shalt drink thy Yule at the Tofts, and go back afterwards, and ever shalt thou have thy sweet fellows with thee; so be ...