A noble gangster

Passage 14
A Noble Gangster
Comprehension and précis
1. Six hundred years ago, Sir John Hawkwood settled near Florence.
2. In times of war, he hired soldiers to princes who were willing to pay the high price he demanded.
3. In times of peace, he would threaten to destroy a city-state.
4. He would spare a city-state if protection money was paid.
5. In spite of this, the Italians regard him as a hero.
6. He was eighty years old when he died.
7. The Florentines gave him a state funeral.
8. They had a picture painted.
9. It was dedicated to the memory of the most valiant soldier and most notable leader, Signor Giovanni Haukodue.
Vocabulary
- Sums? Amounts of money
- Promptly? Directly, Quickly, At once
- Obtaining? Earning, Gaining, Collecting
- Remarkable? Noticeable, Unique
- Settled? Stayed
- Hire? Retain, Rent, Occupy
- Demanded? Requested
Key structures
B
1. Would you have a smoke?
2. I have got a headache.
3. The workers have repaired the house.
Special difficulties
1. I would rather go to the cinema.
2. I would rather he leaves earlier.
3. I would rather you do not speak to him.
4. I would rather not to speak about it.
5. I would rather my father settles the account.
6. She would rather you do not tell anyone about it.