“Where from?”
“Coombe-in-Teignhead, sir.”
“I think I have heard your name. Your father is a most respectable yeoman, I believe.”
“Yes, sir, and woundy fat.”
“Never mind about his obesity. With so respectable a parent, in such a position, it is very discreditable that you should be brought up before me as taking a principal part in a vulgar brawl.”
“Brawl, sir? where?”
“Here in Ashburton, in the market-place, according to the account of the constables, you were principal in an affray, and an affray--according to Lord Coke--is a public offence to the terror of the king’s subjects, so called because it affrighteth and maketh men afraid.”
“I, sir? Whom did I affright and make afraid?”
“The public, before whom you were fighting.”
“Lor, bless you, sir! they loved it. It was better sport than a little dog snapping at a mangy bear.”