`` I shall be wed to-morrow , in the morning , after all ! '' `` What ! '' cried her friend . `` And here is our paladin that driveth lions like mice ! Ye have little faith , of a surety . But come , friend lion-driver , give us some comfort ; speak , and let us hear bold counsels . '' Dick was confounded to be thus outfaced with his own exaggerated words ; but though he coloured , he still spoke stoutly . `` Truly , '' said he , `` we are in straits . Yet , could I but win out of this house for half an hour , I do honestly tell myself that all might still go well ; and for the marriage , it should be prevented . '' `` And for the lions , '' mimicked the girl , `` they shall be driven . '' `` I crave your excuse , '' said Dick . `` I speak not now in any boasting humour , but rather as one inquiring after help or counsel ; for if I get not forth of this house and through these sentinels , I can do less than naught . Take me , I pray you , rightly . '' `` Why said ye he was rustic , Joan ? '' the girl inquired . `` I warrant he hath a tongue in his head ; ready , soft , and bold is his speech at pleasure . What would ye more ? '' `` Nay , '' sighed Joanna , with a smile , `` they have changed me my friend Dick , 't is sure enough . When I beheld him , he was rough indeed . But it matters little ; there is no help for my hard case , and I must still be Lady Shoreby ! ''
`` Nay , then , '' said XXXXX , `` I will even make the adventure .
't Dick Joan Joanna Shoreby driveth hour lion-driver morning surety