human
Nathaniel!
gpt
A wise son heareth his father's instructions; but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
human
I hear you, father.
gpt
Why did you linger in the garden and forget your duty?
human
I--I cannot tell you, father.
gpt
Do you mean you do not know why?
human
I cannot say I do not know.
gpt
Then answer me.
human
I _cannot_, father--I know no words--I was--it is so warm--the sun shines--the birches are out--I was glad----
gpt
Aye, even as I thought. Sinful lust of the eye draggeth you down to destruction. You whose salvation even now hangs in the balance, for whose soul I wrestle every night in prayer that you may be brought to the conviction of sin, 'you were glad.' Remember the words, 'If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy, may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth.'