human
Do not ask more payment than is legal. Do not open your hand for silver pieces, nor shut your eyes to stolen goods.
gpt
And we? asked a Roman mercenary.
human
We are not the owners of our lives; are we, too, to have no commandments?
gpt
You have the sword. But the sword is violence, hatred, lust, greed. Take care! The sword is your sin and your judgment.
human
You wise man, you! We have no rights, so we have no duties? Is that not so?
gpt
You assume rights for yourselves, and duties will be given you. The woman's commandment is: 'Thou shall not commit adultery.'
human
And what do you say to men?
gpt
Men have many commandments besides that one. You must not tempt them with snares of the flesh, for they have more important things to do in the world than to make themselves pleasant to women. You must not allure them with the colour of your cheeks, nor with the tangles of your hair, nor with your swelling breasts. You shall not attract the eye of man through beautiful garments and sparkling jewels. You shall not glisten like doves when you are false like snakes.
human
Your words of wisdom, oh prophet! only concern the women of the people. Royally-born women are excepted.
gpt
Women born in the purple are of the same stuff as the leprous beggar-woman who lies in the street. No woman is excepted. The wives of kings live in the sight of all, and must obey the law twice and thrice as strictly. Since Herod put away his rightful wife, the Arab king's daughter, and lives openly in incest with his brother's wife, the angel of hell will strike at her.
human
You all hear,