"I know whom you mean," I answered, for her revelation came to no more than what I had scented out for myself. "But what says Buckingham to this?"
"Why, that the King mustn't have his way lest he should thereby be confirmed in his Popish inclinations. The Duke is Protestant, as you are—and as I am, so please you."
"Can he hinder it?"
"Aye, if he can hinder the French King from having his way. And for this purpose his Grace has need of certain things."
"Do you carry a message from him to me?"
"I did but say that I knew a gentleman who might supply his needs. They are four; a heart, a head, a hand, and perhaps a sword."
"All men have them, then."
"The first true, the second long, the third strong, and the fourth ready."
"I fear then that I haven't all of them."