“You might, only you will not, for I will not take you.”
“Even once in my life! You know, Michael, when you go outside the walls, I am not even alarmed; I know that no one can reach you.”
“But can’t they shoot me?”
“Be quiet! Isn’t there a Lord God? You will not let them cut you down,—that is the main thing.”
“I will not let one or two slay me.”
“Nor three, Michael, nor four.”
“Nor four thousand,” said Zagloba, mimicking her. “If you knew, Michael, what she did when the chamberlain was telling his story. I thought I should burst from laughter. As God is dear to me! she snorted just like a goat, and looked into the face of each woman in turn to see if she was delighted in a fitting manner. In the end I was afraid that the goat would go to butting,—no very polite spectacle.”
The little knight stretched himself after eating, for he was considerably tired; then suddenly he drew Basia to him and said,—
“My quarters in the castle are ready, but I do not wish to return. I might stay here to-night, I suppose.”
“As you like, Michael,” said she, dropping her eyes.