`` 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 Matcham , for your ill-guidance and unthankfulness to meward ; and what ye deserve ye shall have . '' And Dick , who , even in his angriest temper , still preserved the appearance of composure , began to unbuckle his belt . `` Here shall be your supper , '' he said , grimly . Matcham had stopped his tears ; he was as white as a sheet , but he looked Dick steadily in the face , and never moved . Dick took a step , swinging the belt . Then he paused , embarrassed by the large eyes and the thin , weary face of his companion . His courage began to subside . `` Say ye were in the wrong , then , '' he said , lamely . `` Nay , '' said Matcham , `` I was in the right . Come , cruel ! I be lame ; I be weary ; I resist not ; I ne'er did thee hurt ; come , beat me -- coward ! ''
XXXXX raised the belt at this last provocation , but Matcham winced and drew himself together with so cruel an apprehension , that his heart failed him yet again .
Dick Master Matcham Nay hands ill-guidance lout meward right sheet