human
If I were a poet, which I am not--
gpt
You would extemporize on the beauty of the perspective, she supplemented.
human
How the Duomo shines! And the towers, and the Arno--
gpt
I was thinking of your hair, he interrupted.
human
I have never seen anything quite like it. It isn't a wig, is it?
gpt
No, it is my own,
human
Ah, that night! It is true, as you said; it is impossible to forget the charm of it.
gpt
You have not told me the real reason why you sang under my window that night.
human
Have I not? Well, then, there can be no harm in telling you that. I had just signed the contract to sing with the American Comic Opera Company in Europe. I saw the world at my feet, for it would be false modesty to deny that I have a voice. More disillusions! The world is _not_ at my feet,
gpt
But I am,
human
I might have more successfully applied to the grand opera in New York; but my ambition was to sing here first.
gpt
But in comic opera?
human
Another blunder, common of its kind to me. Have I not told you that I am always making missteps such as have no retracing?
gpt
Will you answer a single question?
human
Will you?
gpt
I can make no promise. Rather ask the question. If I see the wisdom of answering it, I shall do so.
human
Is there another man?
gpt
What do you mean?
human
In Venice you told me that there was a barrier. I ask now if this barrier be a man.
gpt
Yes.
human
If you love him--
gpt
Love him? No, no!... I had hoped you would not speak like this; I relied upon your honor.
human
Is it dishonorable for me to love you?
gpt
No, but it is for me--to permit you to say so!