`` I pray for her spirit , '' answered the other , with a somewhat troubled voice . `` For a witch 's spirit ? '' Dick cried . `` But pray for her , an ye list ; she was the best wench in Europe , was this Joan of Arc . Old Appleyard the archer ran from her , he said , as if she had been Mahoun . Nay , she was a brave wench . '' `` Well , but , good Master Richard , '' resumed Matcham , `` an ye like maids so little , y ' are no true natural man ; for God made them twain by intention , and brought true love into the world , to be man 's hope and woman 's comfort . '' `` Faugh ! '' said Dick . `` Y ' are a milk-sopping baby , so to harp on women . An ye think I be no true man , get down upon the path , and whether at fists , back-sword , or bow and arrow , I will prove my manhood on your body . '' `` Nay , I am no fighter , '' said Matcham , eagerly . `` I mean no tittle of offence . I meant but pleasantry . And if I talk of women , it is because I heard ye were to marry . '' `` I to marry ! '' Dick exclaimed . `` Well , it is the first I hear of it . And with whom was I to marry ? '' `` One Joan Sedley , '' replied Matcham , colouring .
`` It was Sir Daniel 's doing ; he hath money to gain upon both sides ; and , indeed , I have heard the poor XXXXX bemoaning herself pitifully of the match .
Faugh Joan Mahoun Matcham Sedley archer back-sword first pleasantry wench