In this hour of my peril , when my name is attainted , when my lands are forfeit , when this wood is full of men that hunger and thirst for my destruction , what doth gratitude ? what doth faith ? I have but a little company remaining ; is it grateful or faithful to poison me their hearts with your insidious whisperings ? Save me from such gratitude ! But , come , now , what is it ye wish ? Speak ; we are here to answer . If ye have aught against me , stand forth and say it . '' `` Sir , '' replied Dick , `` my father fell when I was yet a child . It hath come to mine ears that he was foully done by . It hath come to mine ears -- for I will not dissemble -- that ye had a hand in his undoing . And in all verity , I shall not be at peace in mine own mind , nor very clear to help you , till I have certain resolution of these doubts . '' Sir Daniel sat down in a deep settle . He took his chin in his hand and looked at Dick fixedly . `` And ye think I would be guardian to the man 's son that I had murdered ? '' he asked . `` Nay , '' said Dick , `` pardon me if I answer churlishly ; but indeed ye know right well a wardship is most profitable . All these years have ye not enjoyed my revenues , and led my men ? Have ye not still my marriage ? I wot not what it may be worth -- it is worth something . Pardon me again ; but if ye were base enough to slay a man under trust , here were , perhaps , reasons enough to move you to the lesser baseness . ''
`` When I was lad of your years , '' returned Sir XXXXX , sternly , `` my mind had not so turned upon suspicions .
Daniel Dick baseness doth lands murdered poison right wardship years