human
Tell me, you three young folks, what be your ambitions? What desire you most of all things to be, do, or have?--Lettice?
gpt
Why, Aunt, I can scarce tell, said Lettice,
human
She should choose to be beautiful, of course, suggested Aubrey.
gpt
All women do.
human
Marry come up, my young Master!
gpt
Oh, let him be, Temperance, answered Aunt Joyce.
human
He knows a deal more about women than thou and I; 'tis so much shorter a time since he was one.
gpt
I think I care not much to be beautiful, Aunt, nor rich, said Lettice:
human
To know God and all good things were a very good and wise wish, Lettice, was Aunt Joyce's answer;
gpt
I would like to be a rich king, said he.
human
Were I a fairy queen, Aubrey, I would not give thee thy wish: for thou couldst scarce make a worser. `They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare,' and they that seek power be little behind them. `Godliness is great riches,' lad, `if a man be content with that he hath.'
gpt
Methinks, Aunt, that is one of your favourite texts,
human
Ay, said she,
gpt
Madam, I am ambitious more than a little. I desire to do God's will, and to be content therewith.
human
Angels could win no further, answered Aunt Joyce, with much feeling in her voice.
gpt
Ay, lad; thou hast flown at highest game of all.
human
Why, Aunt! said Aubrey,
gpt
Prithee do it, then, replied Aunt Joyce,
human
No man ever yet fulfilled that wish, added Edith,
gpt
What is it, dear heart?
human
Ah! said she,
gpt
He hath his wish, responded Aunt Joyce softly.
human
And methinks Hans is like to have his also, so far as mortal man may compass it. There be some wishes, children, that fulfil themselves: and aspirations after God be of that sort. `He meeteth them that remember Him.' Lettice, I trust thou mayest have thy wish to a reasonable length, so far as is good for thee: and, Aubrey, I can but desire the disappointment of thine, for it were very evil for thee. But thou, Hans Floriszoon, `go in peace; and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him.'