Boy, the German poodle who is the bosom companion of Prince Rupert, commander of the horse of King Charles, loves spit-roasted lamb, tummy rubs, chasing rabbits, and believes that the baked goods muttered over by priests at the Popish Mass contain the Real Presence of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

     Boy, who possesses the excellent swimming and retrieving skills that characterize "canis familiaris acquatius," also claims the ability to communicate with William the Conquerer and others Norman invaders who currently reside in Hell. They provide him with military advice which his master puts to use for the benefit of the King.

"The rout at Powick Bridge, of course that was on the advice of Guilliame," Boy said, using the Norman bully's French name. Boy spoke to Anglia Rediviva in a field several miles from Stourbridge, the glass-making center of Worcestershire, toward which Rupert is marching the forces under his command. "My master would have waited until the entire Parliament horse had emerged from the lane. Guilliame advised an immediate charge, knowing it would result in chaos, confusion, and a stunning victory. That was, indeed, the case."

William, the Norman freebooter who led a French invasion of England in 1066, was unavailable for comment.

Boy says William describes Hell as "a far more horrible, terrible, and dreadful place than imagined by the most eloquent and worthy champions of Christ," but at the same time "no more than I (meaning William) deserve." Other denizens from whom Boy seeks counsel on matters military and political include Brutus, Cassius, the entire population of Florence, the "Holy Roman" Emperor Ferdinand II, King John, Count Tilly, and a coven of witches with the surname Bean who live in a cave outside Edinburgh. The Duke of Buckingham is a constant presence, and while offers much advice, is consistently ignored.

 The hideous cartography of Hell as developed by the Normans and others inspired Boy to adopt the superstitions of Rome as a bulwark against the terrors of damnation Boy was given to Rupert by Lord Arundell while the latter was imprisoned in the castle of Graff von Kuffstein after his capture at the Battle of Vlotho. Rupert during this durance vile was tutored in the arts military by Sir Jacob Astley, commander of the King's foot.

Boy, who attended these lessons, developed a rare ability to judge the quality and capacity of military commanders. He thinks highly of Sir Henry Wilmot, second in command of the King's Horse, believes Sir John Byron competent but unlucky, and considers George Lord Digby "stupid" and "the great ass of a horse.

"Yes I on my Boy constantly rely," Prince Rupert told Anglia Rediviva. "I him more than most humanity love."

Rupert and his horse expect to reach Stourbridge tomorrow or the day after. King Charles yesterday marched from Shrewsbury in a south-easterly direction, toward London.