human
What better plan have you to propose?
gpt
The king is a boy, spoke up Ballengeich,
human
At the sound of his voice instant silence reigned.
gpt
But he is a boy, as I have told you, extremely difficult to handle with violence. I propose then to approach him peaceably. The fact that he is a boy, or a very young man at least, implies that his mind will be more impressionable than that of an older person whose ideas are set. I propose then that a deputation wait upon his majesty and place before him the evils that require remedying, being prepared to answer any question he may ask regarding the method of their amendment. If peaceable means fail, then try violence, say I, but it is hardly fair to the young man to approach him at the beginning of his reign with a dirk in the hand. His answer would likely be a reference to his headsman; that is a favourite Stuart mode of argument. I have some friends about the castle, continued the laird.
human
I supply them with various necessaries from the farm; and if I do say it myself, I am well thought of by some in authority. I can guarantee you, I am sure, a safe conduct for your mission.
gpt
But if safe conduct be refused?
human
In that case, no harm's done. I shall divulge the names of none here present, for indeed I know the name of none, except of my friend the cobbler.
gpt
Will you head the delegation, and be its spokesman?
human
No. My power to serve you lies in the fact that I am well thought of in the palace. This power would be instantly destroyed were I known as disaffected. I would put it on this basis. My friend, Flemming, is the spokesman of ten others who have grievances to place before his majesty. Therefore, as a matter of friendship between Flemming and myself, I ask safe conduct for the eleven.
gpt
Indeed, cried the cobbler,
human
I wish you would leave my name out of the affair, since no one else seems eager to put his own forward.
gpt
I put mine forward in making the request,
human
Aye, but not as one of the deputation.
gpt
Very well, agreed the laird in an offhand manner,
human
There is wisdom in what the laird says, cried one of the more moderate party.
gpt
I never liked the kidnapping idea.
human
Nor I, said the cobbler.
gpt
It was but a wild Hielan' notion.
human
My project has this advantage, continued Ballengeich with nonchalant impartiality,
gpt
It is putting our heads in the lion's mouth,