human
I wish you much joy, my dear friend, that you are going to resume your own body. There is, however, one circumstance, which perhaps you have overlooked. Are you aware that you are to be buried to-day?
gpt
I never thought of it, answered I calmly,
human
And where will your own body be then?
gpt
In the grave,
human
Precisely so, and you will enjoy the pleasure of being buried alive; that, I suppose, you have not calculated upon.
gpt
Is there then no hope? cannot this dreadful doom be averted? must I be buried alive?
human
The case is rather a hard one, Mr Stadt, but perhaps not without a remedy.
gpt
Yes, there is a remedy, cried I, starting up and striking my forehead.
human
I shall hie me to my own house, and entreat them to suspend the funeral for two days.
gpt
I saw the undertaker's men enter the house, as I passed by, for the purpose, I should think, of screwing down the coffin-lid. The company also, I find, are beginning to collect, so that there is little hope of your succeeding. However, continued he, taking a pinch of snuff,
human
I am not dead, cried I, forgetting myself,--
gpt
I assure you I am not dead.
human
Poor fellow! he has lost his senses,
gpt
Ah, poor Wolstang, observed another:
human
I assure you I am not dead,
gpt
I know that, my good fellow, was his answer,
human
That is not Stadt--it is I--it is I--will you not believe me! I am Stadt--this is not me--I am not myself. For heaven's sake suspend this funeral.
gpt
Poor unfortunate fellow, he is crazed. Get a porter, and let him be taken home.
human
I would not turn out for any man living. I would not be buried alive to please them.
gpt
What, said I with trepidation,--
human
My dear friend, said he in the most soothing manner,
gpt
A confounded difference indeed,
human
I hereby engage, after my natural decease, to give over my soul to the owner of this book.
gpt
What! said I,
human
The same, my dear friend.
gpt
Then I'll be d----d if I sign it.
human
Only think of the consequences,
gpt
I will abide the consequences rather than sell my soul.
human
Buried alive, my dear sir--only think.
gpt
I will not sign the compact.
human
Only think of being buried alive, continued he,--
gpt
Away, away, said I, pushing him back.
human
I have made up my mind to the sacrifice, since better may not be. Whatever happens to my body, I am resolved not to risk my eternal soul for its sake.
gpt
Think again, said he,
human
I am.
gpt
Only reflect once more. Consider how, by putting your name in this book, you will save yourself from a miserable death. Are you decided?
human
I am,
gpt
Then, fool, said he, while a frown perfectly unnatural to him corrugated his brow, and his eyes shot forth vivid glances of fire--