It was a badly lit place, with saw dust on the floor and bar maids who were more buxom that pretty. I'm sure you know the sort of place. We sat near the fire, and enjoyed our ale.
"See those Prussian officers over there?" Jack said suddenly. "Ugly brutes!"
He pointed across the smoky room, without any subtly, at two large men. They sported impressive mustaches, and sat as straight and proud as pine trees. one had a scar across his cheek. From their immaculate attire, ruggedness of features, and the tones of their loud voives, they were almost certainly Prussian officers.
I shrugged my shoulders.
"Can you speak German?" Jack asked me.
"Not much."
"Well, I can. And I don't much care for what they are saying."
I took a sip of my ale. it was clear where this was leading.
"The blaggards!" Jack exclaimed, loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "Boasting! Boasting of their superior artillery! Prussians cannot stop bloating!"
Everyone in the room looked at him, then at me, then away from us.
"You are causing a scene," I objected. "Are you trying to get me in a fight?"
"Of course."
"Well, don't."
"Why on Earth not?"
"I am an not beast. I will fight if I am provoked, but I do not fight for entertainment."
"That is untrue."
"Perhaps. But I do not fight for your entertainment."
"But they are Prussians! Killing them would be patriotic. It might improve your dreadful reputation."
"Since when do I give a damn about my reputation."
He had no answer for That. we finished our drinks in silence, then ordered more.
"My God!" Jack cried. "The damn brutes just insulted The Queen."
"Be quiet! ... I don't even believe that you can speak German. You only want a good fight to write a poem about."
"Of course."
"You are awfully cold hearted, for a poet."
