human
Is it pain?
gpt
No, only the weariness of life,
human
If I lie here long enough, said I bitterly,
gpt
I may have to beg a crust of you. So get you to your sewing and see that you earn enough against a beggared cripple's need.
human
You mock me,
gpt
Why, no, said I.
human
If I am to remain crippled my funds will dwindle and go, and one day I shall sit in the sun like any poor old soldier, with palm lifted for alms----
gpt
I beg--I beg you----
human
Would you offer me charity if I remain crippled?
gpt
Hush. You sadden me.
human
Would you aid me?
gpt
Tell me, I repeated, taking her by the hand,
human
Why do you ask? she protested.
gpt
You know I would.
human
And yet, said I,
gpt
But--I am nothing to you----
human
Are you not? And am I then more to you than are you to me, that you would aid me in necessity?
gpt
That is my fate, said she, smiling at me.
human
I was born to give, not to receive. I can not take; I can not refuse to give.
gpt
Yes, said I,
human
I shall not do the like again,
gpt
And why, pray?
human
Because I know better now.
gpt
John? she inquired in gentle anxiety,
human
I am a cripple and a beggar for your kindness, Penelope, I said.
gpt
I ask alms of you. Will you kiss me?
human
Oh, she exclaimed,
gpt
Will you kiss me out of that charity which you say you practice?
human
That is not charity!----
gpt
What is begged for is charity. And you say you are made to give.
human
But you taught me otherwise! And now you undo your own schooling!----
gpt
But I owe it you--this kiss!
human
How do you owe it me?
gpt
You kissed me in the snow, and left me in your debt.
human
Oh, goodness! That frolic! Have you not long ago forgotten our winter madness----
gpt
Like you, said I,
human
I must pay my just debts and owe nobody.