Look ye , now , when ye were but a name to me , did I not follow -- did I not rouse good men -- did I not stake my life upon the quarrel ? And now that I have seen you for what ye are -- the fairest maid and stateliest of England -- think ye I would turn ? -- if the deep sea were there , I would straight through it ; if the way were full of lions , I would scatter them like mice . '' `` Ay , '' she said , dryly , `` ye make a great ado about a sky-blue robe ! '' `` Nay , Joan , '' protested Dick , '' 't is not alone the robe . But , lass , ye were disguised . Here am I disguised ; and , to the proof , do I not cut a figure of fun -- a right fool 's figure ? '' `` Ay , Dick , an ' that ye do ! '' she answered , smiling . `` Well , then ! '' he returned , triumphant . `` So was it with you , poor Matcham , in the forest . In sooth , ye were a wench to laugh at . But now ! '' So they ran on , holding each other by both hands , exchanging smiles and lovely looks , and melting minutes into seconds ; and so they might have continued all night long . But presently there was a noise behind them ; and they were aware of the short young lady , with her finger on her lips . `` Saints ! '' she cried , `` but what a noise ye keep ! Can ye not speak in compass ? And now , Joanna , my fair maid of the woods , what will ye give your gossip for bringing you your sweetheart ? ''
XXXXX ran to her , by way of answer , and embraced her fierily .
't Ay Dick England Joan Joanna Matcham night sooth wench