On the fly

He seized a spear from one of the guards on the fly, and began to stab the surrounding carpet, cursing something fearful. Then he flung the spear aside, shook his fists at heaven, and darted into the pavilion . . . and the assembled military and civilian worthies stood silent and thoughtful, determined not to look at each other, like a convocation of clergy when the bishop has farted extempore.


Flashman on the March, p.200, Harper Collins, paperback edition 2005.


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Keeping secrets

…a pleasant fellow enough, but as garrulous as a Welsh parson, and I’d sooner trust a secret to Elspeth.


Flashman and the Angel of the Lord, p.239, Harper Collins, 1995.



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Sundry viragos

…I sat grimly on, wishing I’d gone into Holy Orders and ignoring the blandishments of sundry viragos of the sort you can have for fourpence with a mutton pie and a pint of beer thrown in, but better not, for the pie meat’s sure to be off.


Flashman and the Mountain of Light, p.171, Fontana Paperback edition, 1991.



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An archdeacon on holiday

She was a knowing wench, however, and eventually had him galloping away like an archdeacon on holiday…

Flashman at the Charge, p.40, Pan edition, 5th printing, 1979.

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Flashman, Flashman quotes,archdeacon, holiday.