human
What is it?
gpt
I am dying,
human
Is there no one here? he cried.
gpt
Let some one bring a doctor.
human
I implore you, said Fatkoura,
gpt
Unfortunate girl! and I have brought you to this! cried the Prince.
human
You die for me after a life of suffering,--you, so fair, so young, and so formed for happiness? Ah! why was I placed upon your path?
gpt
I was happy for a time, said Fatkoura,
human
You guessed the reason, sweet Princess. An all-powerful, invincible love turned me from you; my will refused to obey my reason any longer.
gpt
Yes! how can we struggle against love? I know the power it gains, I, who vainly strove to hate you. Yes! you have felt those sharp pangs, that aimless expectation, those fevered dreams, those hopes that would not die; you have known those sobs which would not be stifled, those tears that burned like drops of fire. A prey to hopeless love, you suffered as I did. Is it not frightful, and can you not pity me?
human
I would give my life to repair the harm I have done you.
gpt
There is no rest by night or day, is there? It seems as if you were at the foot of a precipice lined with steep rocks, which you fain would climb, yet fall back again and again. But I am mad, added Fatkoura;
human
Yes, she loved you; I know it, resumed Fatkoura, with a faint sigh.
gpt
Do you think that the jealous eye of the woman you scorned could fail to read her face I--how its pride died away when she looked at you; how her voice, against her will, would soften when she spoke to you; what happy tremors when you came, what sadness when you went! I watched and noted all; each discovery was like a sword thrust into my heart; rage, hate, and love devoured my soul. No, you never suffered as I did.
human
Do not overwhelm me, Fatkoura! said the Prince.
gpt
I did not deserve such love; see how I have rewarded it! You are dying for my sake, and I cannot save you. The horrible grief that rends me at this moment avenges you for much of the suffering that I have caused you.
human
I am happy now, said Fatkoura.
gpt
I might have died before you came; and I am with you.
human
But you shall not die! cried the Prince.
gpt
Am I mad, that I stand here, stunned by horror, instead of bringing you help, or having your wound dressed? You are young; you will recover.
human
Why should? said Fatkoura.
gpt
Would you love me then?
human
I would love you then as now, with an infinite affection.
gpt
With a brother's love, Fatkoura whispered, with a bitter smile.
human
Let me die.
gpt
Alas! that blood which flows so fast, and bears your life with it!