human
I am rejoiced to have met a man of your learning and distinction. What would I not give to possess your knowledge for a few hours!
gpt
My knowledge is yours, replied the astrologer.
human
Command my services, my labors, my time--ask me as many questions as you will. We are so deeply indebted to you--
gpt
You have no reason to regard me as your creditor, interrupted the praetor,
human
You were benevolent enough to protect us, cried Ben Jochai,
gpt
It does me honor, my learned friend; by all the gods it does me honor, replied Verus.
human
And in fact it is possible, it might very will be--Will you do me the favor to come with me to that bust of Hipparchus? By the aid of that science which owes so much to him you may be able to render me an important service.
gpt
Do you know by what method Caesar is wont to presage the fates of men from the stars?
human
Perfectly.
gpt
From whom?
human
From Aquila, my father's disciple.
gpt
Can you calculate what he will learn from the stars in the night preceding the thirtieth of December, as to the destinies of a man who was born in that night, and whose horoscope I possess?
human
I can only answer a conditional yes to that question.
gpt
What should prevent your answering positively?
human
Unforeseen appearances in the heavens.
gpt
No, they are rare, on the contrary.
human
But perhaps my fortune is not a common one-and I beg of you to calculate on Hadrian's method what the heavens will predict on that night for the man whose horoscope my slave shall deliver to you early to-morrow morning.
gpt
I will do so with pleasure.
human
When can you have finished this work?
gpt
In four days at latest, perhaps even sooner.
human
Capital! But one thing more. Do you regard me as a man, I mean, as a true man?
gpt
If you were not, would you have given me such reason to be grateful to you?
human
Well then, conceal nothing from me, not even the worst horrors, things that might poison another man's life, and crush his spirit. Whatever you read in the celestial record, small or great, good or evil. I require you to tell me all.
gpt
I will conceal nothing, absolutely nothing.