`` Y ' ` ave seven deaths upon your conscience , Master John ; I 'll ne'er forgive you that . '' `` Conscience ! '' cried Matcham , looking fiercely up . `` Mine ! And ye have the man 's red blood upon your dagger ! And wherefore did ye slay him , the poor soul ? He drew his arrow , but he let not fly ; he held you in his hand , and spared you ! 'T is as brave to kill a kitten , as a man that not defends himself . '' Dick was struck dumb . `` I slew him fair . I ran me in upon his bow , '' he cried . `` It was a coward blow , '' returned Matcham . `` Y ' are but a lout and bully , Master Dick ; ye but abuse advantages ; let there come a stronger , we will see you truckle at his boot ! Ye care not for vengeance , neither -- for your father 's death that goes unpaid , and his poor ghost that clamoureth for justice . But if there come but a poor creature in your hands that lacketh skill and strength , and would befriend you , down she shall go ! '' Dick was too furious to observe that `` she . '' `` Marry ! '' he cried , `` and here is news ! Of any two the one will still be stronger . The better man throweth the worse , and the worse is well served .
Ye deserve a belting , Master XXXXX , for your ill-guidance and unthankfulness to meward ; and what ye deserve ye shall have . ''
Conscience Dick Master Matcham dagger deaths justice lout slew wherefore