` It 's an old custom the people had when they bought and sold land . They used to cut out a clod and hand it over to the buyer , and you were n't lawfully seized of your land -- it did n't really belong to you -- till the other fellow had actually given you a piece of it -- like this . ' He held out the turves . ` But it 's our own meadow , ' said Dan , drawing back . ` Are you going to magic it away ? ' Puck laughed . ' I know it 's your meadow , but there 's a great deal more in it than you or your father ever guessed . Try ! ' He turned his eyes on Una . ` I 'll do it , ' she said . Dan followed her example at once . ` Now are you two lawfully seized and possessed of all Old England , ' began Puck , in a sing-song voice . ` By right of Oak , Ash , and Thorn are you free to come and go and look and know where I shall show or best you please . You shall see What you shall see and you shall hear What you shall hear , though It shall have happened three thousand year ; and you shall know neither Doubt nor Fear . Fast ! Hold fast all I give you . ' The children shut their eyes , but nothing happened . ` Well ? ' said Una , disappointedly opening them . ' I thought there would be dragons . ' '
`` Though It shall have happened three thousand XXXXX , '' ' said Puck , and counted on his fingers .
Dan England Puck Thorn Una buyer clod right turves year