``Youareunjust，LadyRowena，’’saidtheknight，bitinghislipsinsomeconfusion，andspeakinginatonemorenaturaltohimthanthatofaffectedgallantry，whichhehadatfirstadopted；``yourselffreefrompassion，youcanallownoexcuseforthefrenzyofanother，althoughcausedbyyourownbeauty。’’
``Iprayyou，SirKnight，’’saidRowena，``toceasealanguagesocommonlyusedbystrollingminstrels，thatitbecomesnotthemouthofknightsornobles。Certes，youconstrainmetositdown，sinceyouenteruponsuchcommonplaceterms，ofwhicheachvilecrowderhathastockthatmightlastfromhencetoChristmas。’’
``Prouddamsel，’’saidDeBracy，incensedatfindinghisgallantstyleprocuredhimnothingbutcontempt——``prouddamsel，thoushaltbeasproudlyencountered。Knowthen，thatIhavesupportedmypretensionstoyourhandinthewaythatbestsuitedthycharacter。Itismeeterforthyhumourtobewooedwithbowandbill，thaninsetterms，andincourtlylanguage。’’
``Courtesyoftongue，’’saidRowena，``whenitisusedtoveilchurlishnessofdeed，isbutaknight’sgirdlearoundthebreastofabaseclown。Iwondernotthattherestraintappearstogallyou——
moreitwereforyourhonourtohaveretainedthedressandlanguageofanoutlaw，thantoveilthedeedsofoneunderanaffectationofgentlelanguageanddemeanour。’’