Sharpe

[Sharpe pulls at the stock of one of the South Essex soldiers, revealing the sore flesh beneath]

Major Lennox:
Sir Henry says it keeps the chin up.

Sharpe:
[disgustedly] There's better ways to keep a chin up.

Major Lennox:
Sharpe isn't it? Made a name for yourself in India. Battle of Assaye, if I recall. I was there myself with the 78th.

Sharpe:
I saw the 78th advance at Assaye. Man who made a name for himself that day was a major of the 78th. Man by the name of Lennox.

Major Lennox:
Ah, a long time ago. I had a life soldiering, then they retired me. My wife died. The South Essex was the best I could get. But thank you for reminding me I used to be a damn good soldier. Now wipe your boots and I'll take you to meet a damn bad one. [Meaning Simmerson]