|
The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: when he had the mortification to see the castle burst into flames in several
places at once. A piteous cry was heard from within, and while the prince
was proclaiming a reward to any one who would enter into the burning pile,
and elucidate the mystery of the doleful voice, forth waddled the little
fat friar in an agony of fear, out of the fire into the frying-pan;
for he was instantly taken into custody and carried before Prince John,
wringing his hands and tearing his hair.
"Are you the friar," said Prince John, in a terrible voice,
"that laid me prostrate in battle, mowed down my men like grass,
rescued my captive, and covered the retreat of my enemies?
And, not content with this, have you now set fire to the castle
|