Burlesques William Makepeace Thackeray

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numerous other bands of men similarly attired in green. On asking at the cathedral porch
the cause of this assemblage, one of the green ones said (in a jape), "Marry, youngster,
YOU must be GREEN, not to know that we are all bound to the castle of his Grace Duke
Adolf of Cleves, who gives an archery meeting once a year, and prizes for which we
toxophilites muster strong."
Otto, whose course hitherto had been undetermined, now immediately settled what to do.
He straightway repaired to the ready-made emporium of Herr Moses, and bidding that
gentleman furnish him with an archer's complete dress, Moses speedily selected a suit from
his vast stock, which fitted the youth to a T, and we need not say was sold at an
exceedingly moderate price. So attired (and bidding Herr Moses a cordial farewell), young
Otto was a gorgeous, a noble, a soul-inspiring boy to gaze on. A coat and breeches of the
most brilliant pea-green, ornamented with a profusion of brass buttons, and fitting him with
exquisite tightness, showed off a figure unrivalled for slim symmetry. His feet were
covered with peaked buskins of buff leather, and a belt round his slender waist, of the same
material, held his knife, his tobacco-pipe and pouch, and his long shining dirk; which,
though the adventurous youth had as yet only employed it to fashion wicket-bails, or to cut
bread-and-cheese, he was now quite ready to use against the enemy. His personal
attractions were enhanced by a neat white hat, flung carelessly and fearlessly on one side of
his open smiling countenance; and his lovely hair, curling in ten thousand yellow ringlets,
fell over his shoulder like golden epaulettes, and down his back as far as the waist-buttons
of his coat. I warrant me, many a lovely Colnerinn looked after the handsome Childe with
anxiety, and dreamed that night of Cupid under the guise of "a bonny boy in green."
So accoutred, the youth's next thought was, that he must supply himself with a bow. This he
speedily purchased at the most fashionable bowyer's, and of the best material and make. It
was of ivory, trimmed with pink ribbon, and the cord of silk. An elegant quiver, beautifully
painted and embroidered, was slung across his back, with a dozen of the finest arrows,
tipped with steel of Damascus, formed of the branches of the famous Upas-tree of Java, and
feathered with the wings of the ortolan. These purchases being completed (together with
that of a knapsack, dressing-case, change, &c.), our young adventurer asked where was the
hostel at which the archers were wont to assemble? and being informed that it was at the
sign of the "Golden Stag," hied him to that house of entertainment, where, by calling for
quantities of liquor and beer, he speedily made the acquaintance and acquired the good will
of a company of his future comrades, who happened to be sitting in the coffee-room.
After they had eaten and drunken for all, Otto said, addressing them, "When go ye forth,
gentles? I am a stranger here, bound as you to the archery meeting of Duke Adolf. An ye
will admit a youth into your company 'twill gladden me upon my lonely way?"