"
"My sword wound is healing fast," said Ebbo; "it is the shot in my
broken thigh that is so tedious and painful."
"And I dare be sworn the leeches made it worse. I have hated all
leeches ever since they kept me three days a prisoner in a
'pothecary's shop stinking with drugs. Why, I have cured myself with
one pitcher of water of a raging fever, in their very despite! How
did they serve thee, my poor boy?"
"They poured hot oil into the wound to remove the venom of the lead,"
said Ebbo.
"Had it been my case the lead should have been in their own brains
first, though that were scarce needed, the heavy-witted Hans
Sausages. Why should there be more poison in lead than in steel? I
have asked all my surgeons that question, nor ever had a reasonable
answer. Greater havoc of warriors do they make than ever with the
arquebus--ay, even when every lanzknecht bears one."
"Alack!" Ebbo could not help exclaiming, "where will be room for
chivalry?"
"Talk not old world nonsense," said Theurdank; "chivalry is in the
heart, not in the weapon.
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