human
Give you good e’en, gentlemen. What are your politics?
gpt
We have none,
human
That shows your wisdom. For my part—close the door, I pray—I’m a King’s man, and have flown to drink—so much is obvious—for solace. Believe me, I was never in a town that smelt so strongly of Roundheads as does Banbury. They meet one in the streets at every turn, and in the taverns. One might think there was no Royalist alive to-day in England.
gpt
Tell us more, friend,
human
Gladly. I need help. I am making a tour, you understand, of the chief towns of England, staying a day or more in each, until the Muse arrives. I was ever one to hope; and, gentlemen, by the froth on my pewter-mug, I swear that many noblemen and gentry will buy my book of verses when it’s all completed.
gpt
So you need our help?
human
Here I found a Puritan one Hanging of his cat on a Monday For killing of a mouse on a Sunday.
gpt
Good! laughed Michael.
human
It’s a fine conceit.
gpt
Ah, you’ve taste, sir. But the trouble is, I find no rhyme to ’Puritan one.’ To find no rhyme, to a poet, is like journeying through a country that brews no ale. Believe me, it is heartache, this search for a good rhyme.
human
Puri*tane* one—the lilt running that way——
gpt
I have tried that, too, said the other with sorrow,
human
Supper is served, gentlemen. I trust you will not mind sharing it with some officers of the Parliament quartered here?
gpt
Nothing would please us better, assented Michael.
human
Will our friend here join us, host?
gpt
Oh, we none of us heed Drunken Barnaby. Leave him to his rhymes, sir.
human
I have it, Barnaby, he chuckled.
gpt
Here I found a Puritane one: bid him turn and grow a sane one’—that’s the way of it, man.
human
It rhymes, said Barnaby sadly,
gpt
Remember what the Squire said, Michael. We need quiet tongues and a cool head if we’re to find Rupert.
human
Youngster, I remember. That was why I played the fool to Barnaby’s good lead. All men trust a fool.