ecessities of our position do in some wise
constrain us, for trade and other useful purposes, to allow
communication with them who are not of our way of thinking. Therefore
do we grant unto them free entrance, for a time, into our Canaan,
sobeit they observe the limits of decent moderation, and vex not our
souls beyond Christian patience, hoping, moreover, that, seeing our
righteous example, they may be converted from their evil ways, and
trusting that the Lord will preserve us from defilement. But we hold
not ourselves bound to tolerate rioting and drunkenness, which are not
convenient, but contrariwise, to restrain them by the sword of the
magistrate, if need be. Of both these thou art, unhappily, guilty,
inasmuch as thou didst forget where thou art, and wert mindful only of
the customs of thy heathen companions at home; and were I extreme to
mark what is done amiss, surely thy punishment were heavy. But this is
thy first offence, and I hope will be thy last; therefore say I unto
thee, go and sin no more, especially as thy fault is not of public
notoriety, and goodman Nettles and thy friends, for their own sakes
and this good youth (turning to Arundel) and myself, to avoid scandal,
will keep silence thereupon. I pass over thy rude and silly speeches
as proceeding not from thyself, but from the evil spirit of wine that
mastered and made a fool of thee. Henceforward, while remembering our
mercy, dread our justice, shouldst thou be tempted a second time to
offend."

Having thus spoken, Master Prout rose, and deliberately clapping his
steeple-crowned hat upon his head, stalked demurely out of the
apartment, satisfied that after his rebuke the company would be unable
to obtain any more strong potations. In this supposition he was
perfectly correct--goodman Nettles too thoroughly understanding his
own interest and the character of the man to venture to disobey him;
for though Master Prout felt friendly to the publican, as was evident,
there were some things he would not overlook, and no offence could be
committed more heinous than disregarding his orders. Captain Sparhawk,
who toward the close of the Puritan's address, had been subdued into a
most unwilling silence, manifested, as soon as it was finished, a
desire to reply; but the host placed his hand on the recusant's mouth,
and compelled him to be silent.

"Art mad?" he whispered. "Dost wish to ruin me, and have thine ears
nailed to the whipping-post, and perhaps cut o