Sharpe

[Sharpe is bathing, Matthews sees the scars of his flogging on his back, and assumes he's a common soldier.]

Ensign Matthews:
For what crime were you flogged?

Sharpe:
Who are you, then?

Matthews:
Who are you, then, damn you? Gad, I'll have you flogged again, for you've not learned a lesson it seems.

Sharpe:
Eh? Nah, I command the Light Company. You?

Matthews:
[backpedaling] I regret, I am Matthews, sir, William. Ensign the South Essex.

Sharpe:
Sharpe, Richard, Captain the 95th. I command the Light Company of the South Essex, for the time being. [His voice falters at the end, because the officer riding past is his replacement.]

Matthews:
I do beg your pardon, sir.

Sharpe:
You saw my back, Matthews. I was flogged for something I never did. You will often be blamed for something you might not have done. But, being an officer, you will never be flogged. Even for something that you will do.