human
I do not wish to have said anything, he observed, by way of a general retraction.
gpt
These are probably follies.
human
And for not having meant to say anything, you have planted this knife in my heart! retorted Stefanone, the veins swelling at his temples.
gpt
Thank you. I wish to die, if I forget it. You tell me that this daughter of mine is making love with the Englishman. And then you say that you do not wish to have said anything! May he die, the Englishman, he, and whoever made him, with the whole family! An evil death on him and all his house!
human
So long as you do not make me die, too!
gpt
Eh! To die--it is soon said! And yet, people do die. You, who are a doctor, should know that. And you do not wish to have said anything! Bravo, doctor! Words are words. And yet they can sting. And after a thousand years, they still sting. You--what can you understand? Are you perhaps a father? You have not even a wife. Oh, blessed be God! You do not even know what you are saying. You know nothing. You think, perhaps, because you are a doctor, that you know more than I do. I will tell you that you are an ignorant!
human
Oh, beautiful! cried the doctor, angrily, stung by what is still almost a mortal insult.
gpt
You--to me--ignorant! Oh, beautiful, most beautiful, this! From a peasant to a man of science! Perhaps you too have a diploma from the University of the Sapienza--
human
If I had, I should wrap half a pound of sliced ham--fat ham, you know--in it, for the first customer. What should I do with your diplomas! I ask you, what do you know? Do you know at all what a daughter is? Blood of my blood, heart of my heart, hand of this hand. But I am a peasant, and you are a doctor. Therefore, I know nothing.
gpt
And meanwhile you give me 'ignorant' in my face!
human
Yes--and I repeat it! cried Stefanone, leaning forwards, his clenched hand on the table.
gpt
I say it twice, three times--ignorant, ignorant, ignorant! Have you understood?
human
Say it louder! In that way every one can hear you! Beast of a sheep-grazer!
gpt
And you--crow-feeder! Furnisher of grave-diggers. And then--ignorant! Oh--this time I have said it clearly!
human
And it seems to me that it is enough! roared the doctor, across the table.
gpt
Ciociaro! Take that!
human
Ciociaro? I? Oh, your soul! If I get hold of you with my hands!