human
I am not a Greek, said the youth,
gpt
But those who come only to pray in the temple, interrupted the other,
human
It is my turn now to accuse you of curiosity!
gpt
By all means, cried the old man,
human
I am an honest dealer and quite willing to take back the coin I am ready to pay away. Have you come to have a dream interpreted, or to sleep in the temple yonder and have a face revealed to you?
gpt
Do I look so sleepy, said the Roman,
human
It may be, said the recluse,
gpt
A good deal of what goes on outside these walls seems to come to your ears, retorted the Roman,
human
What did you expect? said Serapion laughing.
gpt
I ask you notwithstanding the risk of being again considered curious.
human
And I am very willing to answer, retorted the other,
gpt
Speak on, said the old man,
human
I keep different garments for different men, and the worst are not for those who treat me to that rare dish--a little truth. But before you serve me up so bitter a meal tell me, what is your name?
gpt
Shall I call the guide? said the Roman with an ironical laugh.
human
He can describe me completely, and give you the whole history of my family. But, joking apart, my name is Publius.
gpt
The name of at least one out of every three of your countrymen.
human
I am of the Cornelia gens and of the family of the Scipios,
gpt
Indeed, a noble gentleman, a very grand gentleman! said the recluse, bowing deeply out of his window.
human
But I knew that beforehand, for at your age and with such slender ankles to his long legs only a nobleman could walk as you walk. Then Publius Cornelius--
gpt
Nay, call me Scipio, or rather by my first name only, Publius, the youth begged him.
human
You are called Serapion, and I will tell you what you wish to know. When I was told that in this temple there were people who had themselves locked into their little chambers never to quit them, taking thought about their dreams and leading a meditative life, I thought they must be simpletons or fools or both at once.