human
You, Cornelius! He looked up from his work, and laid down his pen.
gpt
This is unexpected.
human
I am glad to find you, as usual, at work, Joseph. We are a hard-working family. You with law-books; poor Humphrey, and I with---- But never mind.
gpt
Why poor Humphrey?
human
Joseph, we were happy before this young lady came.
gpt
What has Phillis done? Why, we were then old fogies, with our bachelor ways; and she has roused us up a little. And again, why poor Humphrey?
human
We were settled down in a quiet stream of labour, thinking that there would be no change. I see a great change coming over us now.
gpt
What change?
human
Joseph, if it were not for Humphrey I should rejoice. I should say, 'Take her; be happy in your own way.' For me, I only sing of love. I might perhaps sing as well in a garret and on a crust of bread, therefore it matters nothing. It is for Humphrey that I feel. How can that delicately-organised creature, to whom warmth, comfort and ease are as necessary as sunshine to the flower, face the outer world? For his sake, I ask you, Joseph, to reconsider your project, and pause before you commit yourself.