human
My boy! Our luck hath come! A messenger came from London to the king, to-day, to tell him that the fleet of Duke William of Normandy hath been seen off the southern coast. Before Harold and his army can get there, the Normans will all be landed. They will have before them, soon, a greater battle than the one that was fought with the Norwegians, putting Fulford and Stamford bridge together.
gpt
That's bad news for England, said Ned.
human
A host of men will be killed. I'm ready, anyhow. I want to see King Harold win another victory.
gpt
Thou knowest very little about that, replied the missionary, going on up the stairs with him.
human
No man may say how a battle will turn out until after the fighting is over. I will ask thee one thing, however. Canst thou speak at all in French?
gpt
Of course I can, said Ned.
human
I learned it at home, when I was a little chap.
gpt
It may yet be a good thing for thee, said Father Brian.
human
I have it upon my mind, however, that the greater part of Duke William's motley army speak tongues of their own, and not a word of French. It is a speech I have not yet heard. It may be that thou and I will listen to it before long.
gpt
I guess so, said Ned.
human
I'll have a talk with King Harold's French prisoners, after he whips the duke.