human
To the ramparts with them. Give them short shrift on the walls! Measure for measure, say I, and curse these psalm-singing butchers.
gpt
Who are these, Captain Sturgis?
human
A few crop-headed folk, your Highness, he said lamely.
gpt
We proposed to make them a warning to other butchers of Cromwell’s following.
human
Captain Sturgis, I am sorry. We have shared many fights, and yesterday you were a gentleman of the King’s.
gpt
To-morrow, by your leave, I shall report myself. I shall spend a sleepless night.
human
There’s no need to waste a night’s sleep, Sturgis. It was a madness, and it has left you, that is all.
gpt
Where’s Rigby? asked Lord Derby suddenly
human
I have a long account to settle with him.
gpt
Gone away, like the fox on a hunting morn. I had a thrust at him myself just now, but missed him; and he leaped the ramparts where we broke it at the coming-in.
human
So! growled Derby.
gpt
The fox will give us sport another day.
human
My lord, said the Prince, his voice grave and full of courtesy,
gpt
I give you twenty-seven standards, captured from Rigby’s forces. I give you a hundred of my men as a guard of honour. Eat and drink, and then get forward to Lathom, where your wife awaits you. Let the red fox skulk until a more convenient date.
human
And you?
gpt
I stay on here for a while. It seems to be my business these days to batter walls down, and to stay on afterwards to build them up again. This town is worth defending for the King. Tell Lady Derby that my march to the relief of York will go by way of Lathom, if I may claim her hospitality.