human
Were you at the battle of Bothwell Brigg?
gpt
I'll no say but it may be possible that I might hae been there.
human
Answer directly, you knave--yes, or no?--You know you were there.
gpt
It's no for me to contradict your Lordship's Grace's honour,
human
Once more, sir, were you there?--yes, or no?
gpt
Dear stir, again replied Cuddie,
human
Speak out, you scoundrel, said General Dalzell,
gpt
[Note: The General is said to have struck one of the captive whigs, when under examination, with the hilt of his sabre, so that the blood gushed out. The provocation for this unmanly violence was, that the prisoner had called the fierce veteran
human
Aweel, then, said Cuddie,
gpt
Well, sir, said the Duke,
human
I'm no just free to gie my opinion, stir, said the cautious captive,
gpt
Better than what?
human
Just than rebellion, as your honour ca's it,
gpt
Well, sir, that's speaking to the purpose, replied his Grace.
human
And are you content to accept of the King's pardon for your guilt as a rebel, and to keep the church, and pray for the King?
gpt
Blithely, stir, answered the unscrupulous Cuddie;
human
Egad, said the Duke,
gpt
Just ill example, stir, replied the prisoner,
human
Why, God-a-mercy, my friend, replied the Duke,
gpt
Were you at the battle of Bothwell Bridge?
human
I was,
gpt
Were you armed?
human
I was not--I went in my calling as a preacher of God's word, to encourage them that drew the sword in His cause.
gpt
In other words, to aid and abet the rebels?
human
Thou hast spoken it,
gpt
Well, then, continued the interrogator,
human
I bless God that I do know him, replied Macbriar;
gpt
And when and where did you last see this pious personage?
human
I am here to answer for myself, said Macbriar, in the same dauntless manner,
gpt
We shall know, said Dalzell,
human
If you can make him fancy himself in a conventicle, answered Lauderdale,
gpt
I defy you, retorted Macbriar.
human
This has not been the first of my imprisonments or of my sufferings; and, young as I may be, I have lived long enough to know how to die when I am called upon.
gpt
Ay, but there are some things which must go before an easy death, if you continue obstinate,