Might I advise advising them both. Cruel measures favoured by magicians are best left to being forgotten.

[Bartimaeus must consider how to phrase this to the best of his reputation. It hardly fits one of his stature to admit he is nothing particular in form at this exact minute, though he can freely admit what he is in essence.]

The concept of me is an extremely fluid one. You sound human, so I will try to phrase it in a way you will understand. I am a djinni, and one of the fourth level. In case you are ignorant of this means, I am something to be revered and quite possibly feared.