`` Master Shelton , '' returned the man , in an excited whisper , `` for the dear light of heaven , bring the priest . Alack , I am sped ; I am brought very low down ; my hurt is to the death . Ye may do me no more service ; this shall be the last . Now , for my poor soul 's interest , and as a loyal gentleman , bestir you ; for I have that matter on my conscience that shall drag me deep . '' He groaned , and Dick heard the grating of his teeth , whether in pain or terror . Just then Sir Daniel appeared upon the threshold of the hall . He had a letter in one hand . `` Lads , '' he said , `` we have had a shog , we have had a tumble ; wherefore , then , deny it ? Rather it imputeth to get speedily again to saddle . This old Harry the Sixt has had the undermost . Wash we , then , our hands of him . I have a good friend that rideth next the duke , the Lord of Wensleydale . Well , I have writ a letter to my friend , praying his good lordship , and offering large satisfaction for the past and reasonable surety for the future . Doubt not but he will lend a favourable ear . A prayer without gifts is like a song without music : I surfeit him with promises , boys -- I spare not to promise . What , then , is lacking ? Nay , a great thing -- wherefore should I deceive you ? -- a great thing and a difficult : a messenger to bear it . The woods -- y ' are not ignorant of that -- lie thick with our ill-willers . Haste is most needful ; but without sleight and caution all is naught .
Which , then , of this company will take me this letter , bear me it to my Lord of XXXXX , and bring me the answer back ? ''
Daniel Dick Shelton Sixt Wensleydale ill-willers imputeth shog surety undermost