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 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 ! ''
XXXXX the knight .
arose bear bring cried deceive lie risk said spare surfeit