Strona 320 z 788

The Seneschal by a bow made a sign to the Chamberlain, and, with

his hand raised to his lips, motioned to the Judge, asking for

the floor. The gentlemen both returned that mute bow, meaning,

"Pray speak." The Seneschal opened his address:-

"I might venture to beg the young men to entertain us at this

supper, according to the ancient custom, not to sit silent and

munch: are we Capuchin fathers? Whoever keeps silent among the

gentry acts exactly like a hunter who lets his cartridge rust in

his gun; therefore I praise highly the garrulity of our

ancestors. After the chase they went to the table not only to

eat, but that they might together speak forth freely what each

one had within his heart; the faults and merits of the huntsmen

and the beaters, the hounds, the shots-all were included in the

order of the day; there would arise a hubbub as dear to the ears

of the sportsmen as a second rousing of the beast. I know, I know

what ails you all; that cloud of black cares has undoubtedly

arisen from Robak's cowl! You are ashamed of your bad shots! Let

not your shame burn you; I have known better hunters than you,

and they used to miss; to hit, to miss, to correct one's mistake,

that is hunter's luck.