"Sir," said the captain, "whatever faults the world hath done me, I dare yet put my dagger to the world's throat, and cry 'Deliver!'"
"Still the swaggerer," quoth Jerningham, with his soft smile.
"Ever the swaggerer," replied Ravenshaw. "'Tis my policy. This craven world will give nothing out of love or pity; 'twill give only out of fear; and so I bully out of it a living."
Jerningham went close to him, and spoke in tones not to be heard by the crowd, which presently, seeing that no more amusement was to be afforded, began to melt into the usual stream of saunterers.
"I take it," said Jerningham, "you are as good at cozening as at bullying."
"I am not such a coward as to deny it. There be some so tame, the fiend couldn't find it in his heart to bully them; at the same time, their lack of wit must needs tempt me to cozen them."
"You have a persuasive speech at will, too, I see."
"Seest thou?"
"Look you: I could mend your fortunes if you could persuade, or cozen, or bully, to a certain end for me."