William the Marshal, or, the Joys of Research.

 William the Marshal, realising that the French King has no interest in Peace:

'Good Sir, I'd appreciate it if you'd explain one thing: in France it's the custom for traitors to be treated like scum-burnt at the stake or pulled apart by horses! But now they're part of the establishment; they're all lords and masters!'

'That's fair enough,' the king replied. 'It's all a question of business now-and they're like shit-rags; once you've done your business, you chuck them down the privy.'

The History of William the Marshal, translated by Nigel Bryant. 

Not much has changed.

Second thought.

The History has to be one of the most enjoyable and 'readable' of early Thirteenth Century texts, all the more so since its central character was both 'Europe's Greatest Knight' and by the end of his life a major figure in the politics of the period.  Interesting too, given that it's such a good story, full of incidents and drama, and that the man himself is a fascinating conundrum, that no one has ever turned the Marshal's life into a film. Though if it were filmed, they'd probably ruin it, so perhaps it's for the best.