for
Thou canst not yet speak mine), the forester
Hunts not the wretched coney, but the boar,
Or wolf, or lion--leaving paltry game
To petty burghers, who leave once a year
Their walls, to fill their household cauldrons with
Such scullion prey. The meanest gibe at thee,--
Now _I_ can mock the mightiest.[cy]

_Arn._ Then waste not 130
Thy time on me: I seek thee not.

_Stran._ Your thoughts
Are not far from me. Do not send me back:
I'm not so easily recalled to do
Good service.

_Arn._ What wilt thou do for me?

_Stran._ Change
Shapes with you, if you will, since yours so irks you;
Or form you to your wish in any shape.

_Arn._ Oh! then you are indeed the Demon, for
Nought else would wittingly wear mine.

_Stran._ I'll show thee
The brightest which the world e'er bore, and give thee
Thy choice.

_Arn._ On what condition?

_Stran._ There's a question! 140
An hour ago you would have given your soul
To look like other men, and now you pause
To wear the form of heroes.

_Arn._ No; I will not.
I must not compromise my soul.

_Stran._ What soul,
Worth naming so, would dwell in such a carcase?

_Arn._ 'Tis an aspiring one, whate'er the tenement
In which it is mislodged. But name your compact:
Must it be signed in blood?

_Stran._ Not in your own.

_Arn._ Whose blood then?

_Stran._ We will talk of that hereafter.
But I'll be moderate with you, for I see 150
Great things within you. You shall have no bond
But your own will, no contract save your deeds.
Are you content?

_Arn._ I take thee at thy word.

_Stran._ Now then!--
[_The Stranger approaches the fountain, and turns to_ ARNOLD.

A little of your blood.[208]

_Arn._ For what?

_Stran._ To mingle with the magic of the waters,
And make the charm effective.

_Arn._ (_holding out his wounded arm_). Take it all.

_Stran._ Not now. A few drops will suffice for this.

[_T