human
Ha, most meditative Jacques! said he;
gpt
Oh, I am glad to see you; I wished to consult you, Cleveland. But first, Lady Florence, to convince you and our host that my rambles have not been wholly fruitless, and that I could not walk from Dan to Beersheba and find all barren, accept my offering--a wild rose that I discovered in the thickest part of the wood. It is not a civilised rose. Now, Cleveland, a word with you.
human
And now, Mr. Maltravers, I am /de trop/,
gpt
Pardon me, I have no secrets from you in this matter--or rather these matters; for there are two to be discussed. In the first place, Lady Florence, that poor Cesarini,--you know and like him--nay, no blushes.
human
Did I blush?--then it was in recollection of an old reproach of yours.
gpt
At its justice?--well, no matter. He is one for whom I always felt a lively interest. His very morbidity of temperament only increases my anxiety for his future fate. I have received a letter from De Montaigne, his brother-in-law, who seems seriously uneasy about Castruccio. He wishes him to leave England at once, as the sole means of restoring his broken fortunes. De Montaigne has the opportunity of procuring him a diplomatic situation, which may not again occur--and--but you know the man--what shall we do? I am sure he will not listen to me; he looks on me as an interested rival for fame.
human
Do you think I have any subtler eloquence? said Cleveland.
gpt
No, I am an author, too. Come, I think your ladyship must be the arch-negotiator.
human
He has genius, he has merit, said Maltravers, pleadingly;
gpt
Why? nay, I must not be obdurate; I will see him when I go to town. It is like you, Mr. Maltravers, to feel this interest in one--
human
Who does not like me, you would say; but he will some day or other. Besides, I owe him deep gratitude. In his weaker qualities I have seen many which all literary men might incur, without strict watch over themselves; and let me add, also, that his family have great claims on me.
gpt
You believe in the soundness of his heart, and in the integrity of his honour?
human
Indeed I do; these are, these must be, the redeeming qualities of poets.