human
Clothes make a difference, chuckled the countryman.
gpt
Here’s thee, looking as gaumless a lad as ever brought produce into camp; and here’s me, the gentleman fro’ my head to my riding-boots. All I need is to steal a horse; then I shall be the gentleman quite. I knew the feel o’ stirrups once, before I drank away a snug little farm and had to take to the road.
human
You sell your wares to the Roundhead army?
gpt
Ay, but that doesn’t say I hold wi’ them. I’ve my living to earn, and sell in any market.
human
Have a care, man. You’re for the King, I fancy, apart from trade. And how do you know that I’ll not take you by the ear and lead you into camp for a traitor to the Commonwealth?
gpt
There’s none to come in between us, he laughed.
human
I care never a stiver on which side you be. I’m for the King, and always was; and, if you say nay, we can fight it out here with our fists. We’re much of a height and girth.
gpt
My lad, he said, between one break of laughter and the next,
human
This is fair dealing?
gpt
Take it or leave it. We Metcalfs never trust by halves.
human
That’s a bargain, he said.
gpt
I’d liefer join your company than sell cabbages to these durned Cropheads.