William. Thou art a Dutchman, and a Christian, thou sayest; pray, art thou a freeman or a servant?
Dutchman. I am a servant to the king here, and in his army.
W. But art thou a volunteer, or a prisoner?
D. Indeed I was a prisoner at first, but am at liberty now, and so am a volunteer.
W. That is to say, being first a prisoner, thou hast liberty to serve them; but art thou so at liberty that thou mayest go away, if thou pleasest, to thine own countrymen?
D. No, I do not say so; my countrymen live a great way off, on the north and east parts of the island, and there is no going to them without the king's express license.
W. Well, and why dost thou not get a license to go away?
D. I have never asked for it.
W. And, I suppose, if thou didst, thou knowest thou couldst not obtain it.
D. I cannot say much as to that; but why do you ask me all these questions?