human
Perhaps it would be best, Barbara said,
gpt
No, the Queen said.
human
We couldn't. Really, Lady Barbara, how often will I have to remind you of the duties you owe your sovereign--not the least of which is obedience, as dear old Ben used to say.
gpt
Ben?
human
Jonson, dear boy, the Queen said.
gpt
Really a remarkable man--and such a good friend to poor Will. Why, did you ever hear the story of how he actually paid Will's rent in London once upon a time? That was while Will and that Anne of his were having one of their arguments, of course. I didn't tell you that story, did I?
human
No, Malone said truthfully, but his voice was full of foreboding.
gpt
If I might remind Your Majesty of the subject, he added tentatively,
human
I should like to say--
gpt
Remind me of the subject! the Queen said, obviously delighted.
human
What a lovely pun! And how much better because purely unconscious! My, my, Sir Kenneth, I never suspected you of a pointed sense of humor--could you be a descendant of Sir Richard Greene, I wonder?
gpt
I doubt it, Malone said.
human
My ancestors were all poor but Irish. He paused.
gpt
Or, if you prefer, Irish but poor. Another pause, and then he added:
human
If that means anything at all. Which I doubt.
gpt
In any case, the Queen said, her eyes twinkling,
human
I really think that--
gpt
If I hear any more objections, Sir Kenneth, I shall not only rescind your knighthood and--when I regain my rightful kingdom--deny you your dukedom, but I shall refuse to co-operate any further in the business of Project Isle.