Daniel now went silent for a while. Finally the sergeant resumed speaking, in a lower, more sociable tone: 'I am not learned, but I've been to many plays, which is where I picked up words like ‘immured,' and it oftimes happens – especially in your newer plays – that a player will forget his next line, and you'll hear a spear-carrier or lutenist muttering ‘im a prompt. And in that spirit, I'll now supply you with your next line, sir: something like ‘My word, these are disastrous tidings, my King, a true friend to all Nonconformists, is in trouble, what shall become of us, how can I be of service to his Majesty?''