To pay the hazard—I have made the proof,
Nor gain’d a tester—What I tell is true; 390}
But I’m no fool, to be betray’d by you— }
I’ll hazard nothing, curse me if I do!’ }
“The light increased, and plainly now appear’d
A knavish fool, whom I had often fear’d,
But hid the dread; and I resolved at least
Not to expose it to the powerful beast.
“‘Come, John,’ I said, suppressing fear and doubt,
‘Walk on before, and let a lady out!’—