“My friends,” said the Lady Sylvia, “I have duly appointed Sirrah Richard Red Dragon to the high office of master of my horse, captain-generalissimo of my three hundred men-at-arms, and captain of my guard, at an emolument of two thousand maravedis a month, including his victual.”
“Three thousand, madam and ladyship, under your gracious pleasure and permission,” said the Englishman.
“Did I say three, Sirrah Red Dragon? Dear, my good soul! my memory is weak. Well, Sirrah Red Dragon, three it shall be.”
“To be disbursed in advance, worshipful madam and ladyship.”
“So be it, Sirrah Red Dragon. Your first emolument shall be paid to you so soon as the master treasurer hath delivered to me the keys of the coffers of his lordship’s grace.”
“And I crave the permission of your ladyship to suggest that sack be included in the terms touching the victual.”
“Sack shall be included, sirrah.”
“Unlimited and without stint, madam, I trow and trust, and to be delivered if I knock once on the buttery door.”
“Yes, indeed, good Sirrah Red Dragon, that is quite understood.”
The giant showed his teeth in a grin of broad humour and smacked his lips complacently.