`` And if Your Honor , '' concluded this excellent but somewhat prosy old gentleman , `` shall see fit to persist in bringing these mercenary sworders and musketeers into our quiet streets , not on our heads be the responsibility . Think , sir , while there is yet time , that if one drop of blood be shed , that blood shall be an eternal stain upon Your Honor 's memory . You , sir , have written with an able pen the deeds of our forefathers ; the more to be desired is it , therefore , that yourself should deserve honorable mention as a true patriot and upright ruler when your own doings shall be written down in history . '' `` I am not insensible , my good sir , to the natural desire to stand well in the annals of my country , '' replied Hutchinson , controlling his impatience into courtesy , `` nor know I any better method of attaining that end than by withstanding the merely temporary spirit of mischief which , with your pardon , seems to have infected older men than myself . Would you have me wait till the mob shall sack the province-house as they did my private mansion ? Trust me , sir , the time may come when you will be glad to flee for protection to the king 's banner , the raising of which is now so distasteful to you . '' `` Yes , '' said the British major , who was impatiently expecting the lieutenant-governor 's orders . `` The demagogues of this province have raised the devil , and can not lay him again . We will exorcise him in God 's name and the king 's . '' `` If you meddle with the devil , take care of his claws , '' answered the captain of Castle William , stirred by the taunt against his countrymen . `` Craving your pardon , young sir , '' said the venerable selectman , `` let not an evil spirit enter into your words . We will strive against the oppressor with prayer and fasting , as our forefathers would have done . Like them , moreover , we will submit to whatever lot a wise Providence may send us -- always after our own best exertions to amend it . '' `` And there peep forth the devil 's claws ! '' muttered Hutchinson , who well understood the nature of Puritan submission . `` This matter shall be expedited forthwith . When there shall be a sentinel at every corner and a court of guard before the town-house , a loyal gentleman may venture to walk abroad . What to me is the outcry of a mob in this remote province of the realm ? The king is my master , and England is my country ; upheld by their armed strength , I set my foot upon the rabble and defy them . '' He snatched a pen and was about to affix his signature to the paper that lay on the table , when the captain of Castle William placed his hand upon his shoulder .
The freedom of the action , so contrary XXXXX the ceremonious respect which was then considered due to rank and dignity , awakened general surprise , and in none more than in the lieutenant-governor himself .
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