human
You won't torment me with jealousy?
gpt
Oh, heavens! she cried, stretching out her arms and beating her brow with her hands;
human
As you wish, he said, coldly.
gpt
I see that I displease and offend you. I am making demands that are beyond your strength. Well, let us drop the subject.
human
No, no; don't leave me. For pity's sake stay a little longer. Let us talk--listen to me. You ask me not to be jealous; I'll not be jealous. At least, you'll not see my jealousy. Do you wish me to visit the woman you're in love with, or have been in love with, or the woman who's in love with you? Do you wish me to receive the women who are your friends? I'll do it--I'll do everything. Put me to the most dreadful trial--I'll endure it. Ask me to go to the furthest pass a soul and body can reach--I'll do it for you.
gpt
I wish to be free, heart-free, that is all,
human
As you are to-day, so you will always be--free in heart,
gpt
Listen to me, Anna, and understand me clearly. For a moment try to escape from your own personality, forget that you are you, and that you love me. For a moment consider calmly and carefully the present and the future. Anna, I am old, and you are young; and the discrepancy of our ages which now seems trifling to you, in ten years' time will seem terrible, for I can only decline, while you will grow to maturity. In your imagination you have conceived an ideal of me which doesn't correspond to the truth, and which the future will certainly correct, to your sorrow. Between our characters and our temperaments there is a profound gulf; we have no reason to believe that the future can close it up. If I am making a sacrifice, as I confess I am, in speaking to you thus, it is certain that you would make a more painful and a more lasting one in living with me. Think of it, think of it. Think of my age, of your illusions which must inevitably be destroyed, of our mutual sacrifice. Anna, there is still time.