"And I must tell it to Marion Delorme. I'll have Bois-Robert put it into verse for the court."
"Colletel shall turn it into a comedy. Come, speak on."
"Yet, once more, gentlemen, allow me to go on my way; by what right do you interrogate me? I have nothing to say to you, and I wish to depart."
Saying these words, he endeavored to repulse the marquis anew, but the latter barred the way and drew his sword, crying,—
"Upon my honor, this little goodman is very fractious. It's really too droll. You shall speak or we will make you jump under our swords like a spaniel."
"Insolent fellow," exclaimed Urbain, furiously; "had I a weapon you had not dared to use such language to me, or I should already have chastised you."
"Truly? Oh, hang it. I should like to see how you handle a sword. Come, chevalier, lend him yours."
"What, Villebelle, you wish it?"
"Yes, undoubtedly, a duel with a peasant—that will be a joke."
"Come, gentlemen, make a circle."