Rankin?
RANKIN. That is a point, certainly, Leddy Ceecily.
SIR HOWARD. Oh, if you are going to talk theology--
LADY CICELY. Well, why not? theology is as respectable as law, I
should think. Besides, I'm only talking commonsense. Why do
people get killed by savages? Because instead of being polite to
them, and saying Howdyedo? like me, people aim pistols at them.
I've been among savages--cannibals and all sorts. Everybody said
they'd kill me. But when I met them, I said Howdyedo? and they
were quite nice. The kings always wanted to marry me.
SIR HOWARD. That does not seem to me to make you any safer here,
Cicely. You shall certainly not stir a step beyond the protection
of the consul, if I can help it, without a strong escort.
LADY CICELY. I don't want an escort.
SIR HOWARD. I do. And I suppose you will expect me to accompany
you.
RANKIN. 'Tis not safe, Leddy Ceecily. Really and truly, 'tis not
safe. The tribes are verra fierce; and there are cities here that
no Christian has ever set foot in. If you go without being well
protected, the first chief you meet well seize you and send you
back again to prevent his followers murdering you.
LADY CICELY. Oh, how nice of him, Mr. Rankin!
RANKIN. He would not do it for your sake, Leddy Ceecily, but for
his own. The Sultan would get into trouble with England if you
were killed; and the Sultan would kill the chief to pacify the
English government.
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