hable body existed--should
lose his soul, that is, cause that precious deathless portion of him to
suffer indescribable misery time without end.

There was one part of his sermon which struck me in a very particular
manner, he said: 'That there were some people who gained something in
return for their souls; if they did not get the whole world, they got a
part of it--lands, wealth, honour, or renown; mere trifles, he allowed,
in comparison with the value of a man's soul, which is destined either to
enjoy delight, or suffer tribulation time without end; but which, in the
eyes of the worldly, had a certain value, and which afforded a certain
pleasure and satisfaction. But there were also others who lost their
souls and got nothing for them--neither lands, wealth, renown, nor
consideration, who were poor outcasts, and despised by everybody. My
friends,' he added, 'if the man is a fool who barters his soul for the
whole world, what a fool he must be who barters his soul for nothing.'

The eyes of the clergyman, as he uttered these words, wandered around the
whole congregation, and when he had concluded them, the eyes of the whole
congregation were turned upon my companions and myself.

CHAPTER IX

RETURN FROM CHURCH--THE CUCKOO AND GYPSY--SPIRITUAL DISCOURSE

The service over, my companions and myself returned towards the
encampment by the way we came. Some of the humble part of the
congregation laughed and joked at us as we passed. Mr. Petulengro and
his wife, however, returned their laughs and jokes with interest. As for
Tawno and myself, we said nothing; Tawno, like most handsome fellows,
having very little to say for himself at any time; and myself, though not
handsome, not being particularly skilful at repartee. Some boys followed
us for a considerable time, making all kinds of observations about
gypsies, but as we walked at a great pace, we gradually left them behind,
and at last lost sight of them. Mrs. Petulengro and Tawno Chikno walked
together, even as they had come, whilst Mr. Petulengro and myself
followed at a little distance.

'That was a very fine preacher we heard,' said I to Mr. Petulengro, after
we had crossed the stile into the fields.

'Very fine, indeed, brother,' said Mr. Petulengro; 'he is talked of, far
and wide, for his sermons; folks say that there is scarcely another like
him in the whole of England.'

'He looks rather melancholy, Jasper.'

'He lost his wife several years