"I am a scholar, my lord," he says with a half-bow. "It is my work and my calling in life to learn such things, in the service of my masters and of the long battle. I can also," this with a glance at Angel, "act as the mouthpiece for the Champion I serve, whom the Powers have chosen to favor with courage and valor beyond his eloquence."

This time Spike's snort is audible. "Got that right," he mutters.