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(TRANSCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL CONVERSATION of Charles James Fox)
My apologies, Sir, for striking your arm that way - but to fire a pistol at this moment would bring down a mass of rioters on our heads. They're just behind me, having been chased from Lord North's residence by a contingent of soldiers - with Sheridan in their midst, enjoying himself in full measure, I'll wager.
Thurlow - mind that fellow with the cleaver! Oh, well played - I should have known that you're fully capable of bringing down an attacker with just a glare and your walking stick. I? Know anything about that fellow's intentions? You flatter me, Thurlow - as though my poor words carry weight with the common Westminster constituency.
Ah, Mr. Burke - caught up with me at last, have you? Catch your breath while someone tenders introductions. I'm sure the Lord Chancellor won't be remiss in sharing the name of his lovely companion. Lady Orlando? Is that Italian, perhaps? The land of Dante's always been a favorite of mine, though I confess that nothing improved my Italian better than losing money to a roomful of Neopolitans.
Oh, don't be surly, Thurlow - I'm not intending to remain long. Just saw that this gentleman was about to make a mistake with his pistol - interesting firearm, to be sure. Might I?
How's one to prime it? I can see how well it's balanced, but - *BANG!*
Well, how was I to know it was already primed and loaded? Are you quite all right, Mr. Burke? I assure you, nothing was further from my intention - ah. Have we attracted the attention of the mob? Perhaps it might be politic to remove ourselves. Burke, do you think yourself able to continue? If the Lord Chancellor has no objections to us accompanying him - damn it, Thurlow, can't you leave party out of this at least once? You don't have to fear that any buff and blue's going to rub off on you and be carried back to Windsor, worse luck.
What's that, Burke? Too winded to continue? Well, we can hardly remain out here - what about the docks? They're not very far - if there's a navy ship there I can easily get us safely aboard. Yes, I still number some friends in the Admiralty, Thurlow, as difficult as you find it to accept. Yes, and I hope that I might see more of you, Lady Orlando, when you tire of such gruff company.
Oh yes - your gun, Sir. I'd have a care with a sidearm so liable to go off.
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