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 Wensleydale , and bring me the answer back ? '' One man instantly arose . `` I will , a n't like you , '' said he . `` I will even risk my carcase . '' `` Nay , Dicky Bowyer , not so , '' returned the knight . `` It likes me not . Y ' are sly indeed , but not speedy . Ye were a laggard ever . '' `` A n't be so , Sir Daniel , here am I , '' cried another . `` The saints forfend ! '' said the knight . `` Y ' are speedy , but not sly . Ye would blunder me headforemost into John Amend-All 's camp . I thank you both for your good courage ; but , in sooth , it may not be . '' Then Hatch offered himself , and he also was refused . `` I want you here , good Bennet ; y ' are my right hand , indeed , '' returned the knight ; and then several coming forward in a group , Sir Daniel at length selected one and gave him the letter .
`` Now , '' he XXXXX , `` upon your good speed and better discretion we do all depend .
am blunder coming cried deceive gave returned said selected take