of gills or more of a liquid of very innocent complexion.

"Verily, Alfred Stevens, I do myself suffer from some of the
weaknesses of which thou hast spoken. The sinking of the spirits,
and the faintness of the frame, are but too often the enemies that
keep me back from the plough when I would thereto set my hand; and
that same flatulence--"

"A most frequent disorder in a region where greens and collards
form the largest dishes on the tables of the people," interrupted
Stevens, but without changing a muscle of his countenance.

"I do believe as thou say'st, Alfred Stevens, that the disorder comes
in great part from that cause, though, still, I have my doubts if
it be not a sort of wind-melancholy, to which people, who preach aloud
are greatly subject. It is in my case almost always associated with
a sort of hoarseness, and the nerves of my frame twitch grievously
at the same periods. If this medicine of thine be sovereign against
so cruel an affliction, I would crave of thee such knowledge as
would enable me to get a large supply of it, that I may overcome
a weakness, which, as I tell thee, oftentimes impairs my ministry,
and sometimes makes me wholly incapable of fervent preaching. Let
me smell of it, I pray thee."

"Nay, taste of it, sir--it is just about the time when I find it
beneficial to partake of it, as a medicine for my own weakness,
and I doubt not, it will have a powerful effect also upon you. A
single draught has been found to relieve the worst case of flatulence
and colic."