And look you, master, this life
of a bought thrall is not such an exceeding evil life;
for oft they be dealt with softly and friendly, and have other
thralls to work for them under their whips."
Ralph laughed: "Which shall I make thee, friend Bull, the upper
or the under?" Bull reddened, but said naught. Said Ralph:
"Or where shall I sell thee, that I may make the best penny
out of my good luck and valiancy?" Bull looked chopfallen:
"Nay," said he in a wheedling voice, "thou wilt not sell me, thou?
For I deem that thou wilt be a good master to me: and," he broke
into sudden heat hereat, "if I have another master I shall surely
slay him whate'er betide."
Ralph laughed again, and said: "Seest thou what an evil craft ye follow,
when thou deemest it better to be slain with bitter torments (as thou
shouldest be if thou slewest thy master) than to be sold to any master
save one exceeding good?"
Bull held his peace hereat, but presently he said:
"Well, be our craft good or evil, it is gainful; and whiles there
is prey taken right good, which, for my part, I would not sell,
once I had my hand thereon." "Yea, women?" said Ralph.
"Even so," said Bull, "such an one was taken by my kinsman Bull
Nosy but a little while agone, whom he took down to the market at
Cheaping Knowe, as I had not done if I had once my arms about her.
For she was as fair as a flower; and yet so well built, that she
could bear as much as a strong man in some ways; and, saith Nosy,
when she was taken, there was no weeping or screeching in her,
but patience rather and quietness, and intent to bear all and
live.
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