human
Surrender while you can, Nappa men,
gpt
It is not our habit.
human
There’s a company of Fairfax’s men—a thousand of them, more or less—within call.
gpt
Ay, so are a thousand cuckoos, if you could whistle them to hand. Who are you, to come jesting at the gates?
human
Nephew to Lord Fairfax, by your leave.
gpt
That alters matters. I’m Metcalf of Nappa, and aye had a liking for the Fairfaxes, though the devil knows how they came into t’other camp. Their word is their bargain, anyhow.
human
That is true. Will you surrender—leaving all arms behind you?
gpt
No, said the Squire of Nappa.
human
Bring your thousand cuckoos in, and I promise ’em a welcome.
gpt
There’s a good deal to be done in five minutes,
human
Oh, you think only of speed these days, and I—believe me, I am tired.
gpt
But my husband—-oh, he left me here to hold the Castle.
human
For as long as might be. He’ll not grumble when he learns the way of our riding out. Better leave Ripley now, with honour, than wait till they starve us into surrender.