I was about to say that this offer of yours strikes us as rather barren.

At least it might have been kept until King James is restored to his country.

In that event he may very well prefer to give his commands to younger men; but in any event he will find us obedient to his royal wish." "That is a very loyal attitude.

But, as it happens, you would be required to enter into your commands before his Majesty's restoration." "Explain yourself, my lord." "I am not in a position to speak with authority or exactness of the events which will shortly take place in the British fleet.
I am a mere soldier, you understand.

But let us suppose a case.
King William sails early to-morrow, with Rear-Admiral Rooke's squadron, for the Maese.