human
What! Sing, my Cumberbunce? You can! Sing on, sing loudly, little man!
gpt
Oh, I would sing of mackerel skies, And why the sea is wet, Of jelly-fish and conger-eels, And things that I forget. And I would hum a plaintive tune Of why the waves are hot As water boiling on a stove, Excepting that they're not!
human
And I would sing of hooks and eyes, And why the sea is slant, And gayly tips the little ships, Excepting that I can't! I never sang a single song, I never hummed a note. There is in me no melody, No music in my throat.
gpt
So that is why I do not sing Of sharks, or whales, or anything!
human
Then why, O, Cumberbunce, I cried,
gpt
Did you come walking at my side And ask me if you, please, might sing, When you could not warble anything?
human
I did not ask permission, sir, I really did not, I aver. You, sir, misunderstood me, quite. I did not ask you if I _might_. Had you correctly understood, You'd know I asked you if I _could_. So, as I cannot sing a song, Your answer, it is plain, was wrong. The fact I could not sing I knew, But wanted your opinion, too.
gpt
Farewell! my mate is calling me!
human
I thought all people understood The difference 'twixt 'might' and 'could'!