human
The Count of the Saxon shore, said De Bock, smacking his lips with ineffable relish as he sat down the glass.
gpt
That is, indeed, an ancient title, and one I knew not was still in existence. Doth your lordship claim to be lineally descended from tho Roman whose authority extended in former days along this coast, and whose castle walls are still to be seen at hand here, and called Rugulbium or Reculver?
human
By the father's aide, most assuredly, said the Count.
gpt
Maternally, I am of Kentish extraction, since, on the female side I claim descent from the god Woden, whose effigy was as you know, or ought to know, enthroned upon the hill a mile westward of your town, and called to this day Wodnesborough.
human
A most respectable lineage, said tho burgess, quite awe-struck at so glorious a descent.
gpt
His worship the mayor, attended by the hogmace, the supervisor of the gutters, the several beadles in commission within our walls, will have the honour of waiting upon your lordship forthwith.
human
The honour will be to us, said the Count, rising and bowing as the burgesses were about to leave the apartment.
gpt
For the next four hours we shall be engaged here in consulting with our gallant friend, and certain messengers we expect to arrive; after that, if it so please your mayor, we will receive him.
human
And now, Captain, said the Count, reseating himself,
gpt
I am all readiness to give attention, Sir Count,
human
In the first place, then, I trust you clearly comprehend my intentions in this voyage?
gpt
I think as much, said the Captain, filling his glass;
human
My voyage, then, I would have you to understand, is more a voyage of discovery than of profit. I neither wish to work mines, nor burn and sack towns. I would avoid all chance, if possible, of coming into collision with the Spaniard; and, unless I see occasion for other course, I would rather fly from, than seek an enemy.
gpt
But, said the Captain,
human
You will find me ready enough to fight where fighting is my cue, interrupted the Count;
gpt
Your last argument is all-powerful, said the Captain.
human
I admire your love of adventure, coupled as it is with so much humanity, and am yours for the voyage, making peace or war as you affect either the one or the other. Nevertheless, I may as well remind your lordship, ere you embark on the enterprise, that we sailors of Drake and Frobisher, since the time we have interfered with the Spaniard, have a proverb, that there 'is no peace beyond the line.'
gpt
I have heard so much, said the Count,
human
The history of my life might prove both distasteful and tedious to you, said the Captain;