human
Poor, faithful old man; to think that he should die thus--he who leaves behind him all that is best in life, while I--I. . . .
gpt
And the nuns? Did they all escape?
human
Yes, Master! on the morning after we reached Doomiat, a trireme took them all out to sea.
gpt
The working bees killed and the Drones saved!
human
And what next? Who is to tell them the news?
gpt
You,
human
I-oh, of course, I! growled the physician.
gpt
Whatever is difficult, painful, intolerable, falls on my shoulders as a matter of course! But I cannot--ought not--I will not do it. Had I any part or lot in devising this mad expedition? You observe, Father?--What he, the simpleton, brewed, I--I again am to drink. Fate has settled that!
human
It is hard, it is hard, child! replied the old man.
gpt
Still, it is your duty. Only consider--if that man, as he stands before us now, were to appear before the women....
human
No, no, that would not do! And you, Gibbus-- this very day there has been an Arab again to see Joanna; and if they were to suspect that you had been with your master--for you look strangely.--No, man; your devotion merits a better reward. They shall not catch you. I release you from your service to the widow, and we-- what do you say, Father?--we will keep him here.
gpt
Right, very right, said Horapollo.
human
The Nile must some day rise again. Stay with us; I have long had a fancy to eat vegetables of my own growing.