"I cannot allow that: the more cunning will deceive the simpler."
"Well, write our names upon bricks, and throw them all into a barrel; and whichever name you draw will take away the girl."
"I can say what name I please, for none of you can read."
The Wallachian shook his head impatiently.
"Well, propose something yourself, Decurio."
"I will. Let us try which of us can give the best proof of courage and daring; and whoever can do that, shall have the girl, for he best deserves her."
"Well said!" cried the men unanimously. "Let us each relate what we have done, and then you can judge which among us is the boldest."
"I killed the first Bardy in the court, in sight of his family."
"I broke in the door, when that terrible man was dashing down the iron on our heads."
"But it was I who pierced his heart."