Swythe

Swythe [71] lette the offrendes [72] to the Goddes begynne.

The Rowley Poems Thomas Chatterton

"I'm going to persevere till I make you do it better," said Swythe.

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870

"Give me time," said Swythe good-humouredly, and directly after he faintly sketched in a bunch of grapes, broad at the top and growing narrower till it ended in one grape alone.

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870

Swythe placed his work ready and took out, from a snug corner, a tiny book made by sewing together about half-a-dozen leaves of parchment, and upon opening this very carefully Alfred saw within a piece of brilliant shining gold.

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870

"It is not wonderful, and you soon will be able to do it," said Swythe;

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870

Swythe washed his brush carefully again, and as soon as the paint was dry went carefully over the letter part with gum, so delicately that the red colour was not disturbed nor the background smeared.

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870

As he formed the letters with his clever white fingers, Swythe repeated the name of each, pausing a little to give finish and effect as well as sound to the words he formed, till he had, after beginning some little distance in, made so many words upon one of the faintly-drawn lines and reaching right across the parchment.

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870

"I told you I'm going to make it yellow," said Swythe, laying his work well out in the sunshine to get thoroughly dry.

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870

But his interest was taken up directly, for Swythe took up one of his quill pens, examined it, and then, after giving the ink a stir, dipped in his pen and tried it.

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870

"You see, we must have fighting-men, Swythe," said the King; and then he turned to the Queen, who was listening to what they said.

The King's Sons George Manville Fenn 1870