noon
`` Nay , Sir Thomas , '' quoth Mr. Richardson , `` it is not seemly to jest over the Word of God . The writers of our Book of Psalms in metre held rightly , that God 's altar needs no polishing ; and truly they have rendered the words of David into English verse with great fidelity . '' Our young gentleman , not willing to displeasure a man so esteemed as Mr. Richardson , here made an apology for his jesting , and said that , as to the Cambridge version , it was indeed faithful ; and that it was no blame to uninspired men , that they did fall short of the beauties and richness of the Lord 's Psalmist . It being now near noon , we crossed over the river , to where was a sweet spring of water , very clear and bright , running out upon the green bank . Now , as we stood thirsty , having no cup to drink from , seeing some people near , we called to them , and presently there came running to us a young and modest woman , with a bright pewter tankard , which she filled and gave us . I thought her sweet and beautiful , as Rebecca of old , at her father 's fountain . She was about leaving , when Mr. Richardson said to her , it was a foul shame for one like her to give heed to the ranting of the Quakers , and bade her be a good girl , and come to the meeting .