SWINDON. (_snubbing him_). We are not here to discuss your views.
BURGOYNE. (_with an elaborate bow to the unfortunate Swindon_). I stand rebuked.
SWINDON. (_embarrassed_). Oh, not you, I as—
BURGOYNE. Don’t mention it. (_To Richard, very politely_) Any political views, Mr. Anderson?
RICHARD. I understand that that is just what we are here to find out.
SWINDON. (_severely_). Do you mean to deny that you are a rebel?
SWINDON. What do you expect me to think of that speech, Mr. Anderson?
RICHARD. I never expect a soldier to think, sir.
Burgoyne is boundlessly delighted by this retort, which almost reconciles him to the loss of America.
SWINDON. (_whitening with anger_). I advise you not to be insolent, prisoner.
RICHARD. You can’t help yourself, General. When you make up your mind to hang a man, you put yourself at a disadvantage with him. Why should I be civil to you? I may as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb.
SWINDON. You have no right to assume that the court has made up its mind without a fair trial. And you will please not address me as General. I am Major Swindon.
RICHARD. A thousand pardons. I thought I had the honor of addressing Gentlemanly Johnny.
Sensation among the officers. The sergeant has a narrow escape from a guffaw.
BURGOYNE. (_with extreme suavity_). I believe I am Gentlemanly Johnny, sir, at your service. My more intimate friends call me General Burgoyne. (_Richard bows with perfect politeness._) You will understand, sir, I hope, since you seem to be a gentleman and a man of some spirit in spite of your calling, that if we should have the misfortune to hang you, we shall do so as a mere matter of political necessity and military duty, without any personal ill-feeling.
RICHARD. Oh, quite so. That makes all the difference in the world, of course.
They all smile in spite of themselves: and some of the younger officers burst out laughing.
JUDITH. (_her dread and horror deepening at every one of these jests and compliments_). How CAN you?
BURGOYNE. (_to Judith, with studied courtesy_). Believe me, madam, your husband is placing us under the greatest obligation by taking this very disagreeable business so thoroughly in the spirit of a gentleman. Sergeant: give Mr. Anderson a chair. (_The sergeant does so. Richard sits down._) Now, Major Swindon: we are waiting for you.