RAVENSBANE My adversary should be deft in their use. He has doubtless wielded them frequently on his barn floor.
CAPTAIN BUGBY Ahaha! I understand now. Your lordship—ah! is a wit. Haha! Flails!
DICKON His lordship’s satire is poignant.
CAPTAIN BUGBY Indeed, sir, so keen that I must apologize for laughing at my principal’s expense. [Soberly to Ravensbane.] My lord, if you will deign to speak one moment seriously—
RAVENSBANE Seriously?
CAPTAIN BUGBY I will take pleasure in informing Squire Talbot—ah! as to your real preference for—
RAVENSBANE For flails, sir. I have, permit me, nothing further to say. Flails are final. [Turns away haughtily.]
CAPTAIN BUGBY Must I really report to Squire Talbot—ah!—flails?
DICKON Lord Ravensbane’s will is inflexible.
CAPTAIN BUGBY And his wit, sir, incomparable. I am sorry for the Squire, but ’twill be the greatest joke in years. Ah! will you tell me—is it— [Indicating Ravensbane’s smoking.] is it the latest fashion?