‘Another man driven mad by faith. I am ever thankful that I have none.’ Coke shivered. ‘We saw many such fanatics in the wars, did we not? Mainly on your side, I have to say. How did you avoid it, Pitman? You were fanatical in your time too, were you not? Even one of these same damned Fifth Monarchists for a while?’
‘I was. But I decided that Christ, in his wisdom, will choose the time of his return entirely without my intervention. So I will worship him – but I will save my love for my family. Ah,’ Pitman pointed with his chin, ‘he comes.’
In the royal box, previously empty, a soldier in the scarlet coat of the King’s Life Guards now stood. For a long moment he surveyed the scene below. Then he turned to the back of the box and nodded. At the same moment, three musicians walked out upon
