human
You see, Lukas, what happens to a man who has wasted his property, his wife said.
gpt
While we were rich the burgomaster himself was our friend, but now even that poverty-stricken woman won't raise a finger to help us.... See how the poor infant shivers, for I haven't even any old rags in which to wrap it! And it has to lie on the bare straw! God have mercy on us, how poor we are!
human
I beg you, Lukas, go to our old neighbor, the burgomaster's wife. She is wealthy. I'm sure she hasn't forgotten that I was godmother to her child. Go and ask her if she will be godmother to mine.
gpt
I don't think she will, Lukas answered,
human
God bless you, neighbor, he said to the burgomaster's wife.
gpt
My wife sends her greeting and bids me tell you that God has given us a little daughter whom she wants you to hold at the christening.
human
My dear Lukas, of course I should like to do this for you, but times are hard. Nowadays a person needs every penny and it would take a good deal to help such poor beggars as you. Why don't you ask some one else? Why have you picked me out?
gpt
Because my wife was godmother to your child.
human
Oh, that's it, is it? What you did for me at that time was a loan, was it? And now you want me to give you back as much as you gave me, eh? I'll do no such thing! If I were as generous as you used to be, I'd soon go the way you have gone. No! I shall not walk one step toward that christening!
gpt
You see, dear wife, he said when he got there,